Pot Odds
The ratio of the current pot size to the cost of calling a bet. Used to determine whether calling is mathematically profitable.
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What Is Pot Odds?
To use pot odds, compare the percentage cost of calling relative to the resulting pot against your hand's actual winning chances (equity). If your equity exceeds the pot odds percentage required, calling is profitable in the long run; if it's lower, folding is generally correct, unless implied odds justify the call. Pot odds are one of the foundational mathematical tools in poker decision-making.
Examples
Facing a pot-sized bet, he needed 33% equity to profitably call based on the pot odds offered.
With a flush draw and favorable pot odds, calling the river bet was a clearly profitable decision.
Strategy Tips
Practice quickly converting bet sizes into pot odds percentages so you can make fast, accurate decisions at the table. Compare your calculated pot odds against your outs-based equity estimate before calling a bet. Factor in implied odds when stacks are deep and you expect to win additional chips on future streets if you hit your draw. Remember pot odds alone don't account for reverse implied odds, where completing your hand might still lose to a bigger one.