Welcome to our page on pot odds. On this page we explain the importance of pot odds in a game of online poker. We offer an introduction into how to calculate pot odds when playing poker. Pot odds are crucial to any poker players game and allow you to play to averages rather than just trying to get lucky.

So in the example of needing a diamond to hit the flush you have 9 outs. There are 47 unknown cards (52 - 2 private cards and 3 community cards). So the chances of hitting your flush are.

Now you know your chances of hitting you hand you need to look at the size of the pot. Simply divide the pot by the cost of a call. If it is greater than 4.2 then a call is worthwhile. If it is less then the best play is to fold.

If mathematics is not your strong point and you feel working out these calculations could be too much to ask then there is simpler method of calculating pot odds. Simply take the number of outs you have multiply it by two and add one. This is a quicker way of working it out but the results are less accurate.

Whichever way you decide to calculate pot odds it is essential you take it into consideration when playing poker online. If you do not then you are destined to lose in the long run.