By Sabrina Johnston

Pot odds are an essential tool for any poker player and are not as difficult to master as many players think. Here we will go through the basics of simple pot odds and how you can use them to help you call or fold.

There are plenty of times at the poker table when you will be asking yourself.

Is it worth staying and playing this hand?

Being able to use pot odds will help you answer that question correctly in terms of risk to reward.

Pot Odds are simply the ratio of what is already in the pot to the amount you would have to bet to stay in the hand.

A good example of using pot odds is when your hand is not the best hand YET, but has the potential to become one of the best or best hands if the right card comes out the deck.

For example, with four cards on the board you hold four clubs, before the river.

The odds of completing the flush are roughly 5 to 1 against you.

This means for you to bet there should be at least five times the amount you have to bet in the pot.

If the bet to you is $4, then there should be at least $20 in the pot to make it worth you calling.

Now let's assume there is $40 in the pot.

The odds of landing that club and getting the best hand at the table were 5 to 1. The pot would pay you 10 to 1 on your bet.

That makes calling a good option for you to play.

You might not win the hand, but over the longer term playing this way can give you an advantage by keeping by helping you bet in a sensible manner where the potential for winning the hand against what you have to bet gives you a good return for your risk.

Another example of using pot odds is after the river, when the final bet comes to you.

Lets use an example of an $80 pot and your bet is $10, let's consider what the best option is here in terms of your betting strategy.

The pot is giving you eight to One odds.

($80 divided by your $10 bet).

Even though you feel your opponent could have a better hand, is he likely to have a hand that is 8 times better?

If you think he does, you fold. If you don't then you should call.

There are numerous times when you will have to consider whether it is worth continuing to play a hand, and using pot odds will help you decide.

At every point in a game of poker, the correct strategy is influenced by the pot odds facing the player.

Fold on lower odds play on higher odds

The lower the pot odds facing a call, the more likely it is that folding will be the best play, conversley the higher the pot odds the player has facing a call, the more likely calling is the correct play.

This is only a brief introduction to pot odds, but they an essential tool for all poker players who want to maximise the odds in their favor.

More FREE info

On how to use poker pot odds and other tips and strategies for winning in all major casino games including, articles, features and downloads visit http://www.net-planet.org

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