Equity
What Does Equity Mean in Poker?
Equity in poker refers to a player’s chance of winning a hand based on the current situation. It is calculated as a percentage and considers the strength of a player’s cards versus opponents’ potential hands. Understanding equity helps players make informed decisions about betting, calling, or folding.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Equity
You might hear or use the term ‘equity’ during discussions about pot odds, evaluating the strength of hands on different streets, or when deciding whether to call a bet with a drawing hand.
In-Game Example
Imagine you hold AQ on a flop of 1082. You calculate your equity as you have a flush draw and two overcards against an opponent’s pair of tens.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Regularly assess your equity throughout a hand to make more informed betting decisions.
- Common Mistake: Overestimating your equity by not considering the opponents possible holdings.
- Pro Tips: Use equity calculators to practice and improve your understanding of hand strength and probabilities.
- Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online: Online, you can use software tools to calculate equity during play, while live games require quick mental calculations.
Alternative Names
Expected value (EV), Pot equity
FAQs
Q: How is equity different from pot odds?
A: Equity is the chance of winning the hand, while pot odds are the ratio of the current size of the pot to the size of the bet you must call.
Q: Can equity change during the hand?
A: Yes, equity changes with each new community card revealed, altering the strength of your hand relative to opponents.
