Implied Odds Calculation for Drawing Hands: How to Accurately Assess Potential Profits
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Implied odds are a key concept in Texas Hold'em for evaluating the value of drawing hands. This article explains the difference between implied odds and pot odds, teaches you how to calculate implied odds, and uses practical examples to show how to make profitable calling decisions using implied odds, while also revealing common pitfalls.
What Are Implied Odds?
In Texas Hold'em, pot odds are the direct basis for deciding whether to call, but they only consider the current pot size. Implied odds go a step further by considering the additional chips you may win on later streets. For drawing hands (such as straight draws or flush draws), implied odds are especially important because hitting your draw often leads to winning a large pot.
Simply put, implied odds = (current pot + expected future chips you can win) / current call amount. It helps you determine whether a call is worthwhile even when current pot odds are insufficient, because of the potential future winnings.
Differences Between Implied Odds and Pot Odds
For example: On the flop you have a flush draw. Your opponent bets 10 BB, making the pot 30 BB. Current pot odds are 30:10 = 3:1. If your flush draw has about a 19%