Figuring
effective odds may sound complicated, but it is
a simple matter of addition. You add all the calls
you will have to make, assuming you play to the
end, to determine the total amount you will lose
if you don't make your hand. Then compare this figure
to the total amount you should win if you do make
the hand.
This total is the money in the pot at the moment
plus all future bets you can expect to win, excluding
your own future bets. Thus, if there is $100 in
the pot at the moment and three more $20 betting
rounds, you are getting $160-to-$60 effective odds
if both you and your opponent figure to call all
bets. If you know you won't call on the end unless
you make your hand, your effective odds become $160-to-$40.
When you think your opponent won't call on the end
if your card hits, your effective odds would be
reduced to something like $140-to-$40. If, on early
betting rounds, these odds are greater than your
chances of making your hand, you are correct to
see the hand through to the end. If they are not,
you should fold. |
