Every hand that you play in online poker has its own set of odds, and these odds will either increase or decrease as the hand is played out. Being able to calculate odds is probably the most important skill that a Hold’em player can develop. The ability to read possibilities and react to them is making or breaking of a player in long term
Pot odds are normally expressed as a ratio, but many players find it easier to convert to percentages. That’s why a head for figures and statistics is a very vital talent that most online poker real money players bring to the table, as they will be required to make some fairly complex calculations to keep track on how their hand is developing as well as that of the other players left in the hand.
And all that without showing any form of emotion or excitement. Players have to make calculations at every stage of the hand. If they come in with two aces, then they know that the odds are very much in their favour. If they come in with a two and a five unsuited, they know odds are definitely against them.
Suited pairs, big slicks and every other combination of hole cards have their strengths. A player will make their decision to wait and see the flop depending on the value of their cards. In addition to that the betting has been pre-flop.
A clear picture of possibilities
Post flop the online poker India players will have a much clearer picture of the possibilities that their hand is liable to present, and the statistical chances of improving it, for example if they have added the remaining two aces, to make four their odds are very high on winning the hand. Sitting with a low pair/flush/straight draw, they have to figure their chances of taking the pot are low.
The same rules of calculating run through Fourth Street and down to the river card, but on a decreasing scale. If a player is pot committed they may continue to raise their stake in the hope that the right outs will show, and win them the hand. However most experienced players have learned to figure their chances and fold their hand before they do too much damage.
Players will also learn to calculate the odds on every bet they make in a hand, especially in Limit Poker. If the size of the pot is 100 chips, and a player has to invest 25 chips to make a call, then they are getting 4-1 on their money if they make the winning call.
Players learning to calculate pot odds, and their chances of winning the hand by calculating the ratio of cards will be capable of having a pretty clear picture of their chances of winning each hand that they decide to take part in.
Happy playing!