Implied odds in poker explained
Implied odds count not only the money in the pot now but also the money you expect to win on later streets if you hit your hand. They explain why you can sometimes call without the right pot odds: when you hit, you get paid more.
Example
Section titled “Example”On the turn the pot is $40 and your opponent bets $20. You have an open-ended straight draw (8 outs, about 17% on the river). Pot odds: you call $20 to win $60, so you need 25%. On pot odds alone, it’s a fold.
But if you’re confident your opponent will pay another $40 on the river when you hit, you’re really calling $20 to win $100: you need only 17%. Now the call is about break-even or better.
When implied odds are good
Section titled “When implied odds are good”- Deep stacks: there’s money left to win.
- Your draw is hidden: a gutshot or a set is harder to see than a four-flush board.
- Your opponent has a strong hand they won’t fold, such as top pair or an overpair.
- You’re in position, so you can control the river.
When they’re poor
Section titled “When they’re poor”- Short stacks: little money left to win.
- Obvious draws: when the third flush card comes, many opponents stop paying.
- Opponents who fold easily.
Reverse implied odds
Section titled “Reverse implied odds”The opposite: when you hit, you may still be behind and lose even more. Examples: drawing to a low flush when a higher one is possible, or making top pair with a weak kicker. Be careful in these spots.
Simple rule
Section titled “Simple rule”Small pairs need about 15–20 times your call left in the stacks to set mine. Use implied odds to justify close calls, not to chase every draw.
See expected value and the poker odds cheat sheet.
What are implied odds in poker?
Section titled “What are implied odds in poker?”Pot odds plus the extra money you expect to win on later streets when you hit your hand.
When are implied odds good?
Section titled “When are implied odds good?”With deep stacks, a hidden draw and an opponent who is likely to pay off.
What are reverse implied odds?
Section titled “What are reverse implied odds?”When hitting your hand can still leave you behind, so you lose even more.
How are implied odds different from pot odds?
Section titled “How are implied odds different from pot odds?”Pot odds use only the current pot; implied odds also count future bets you expect to win.