What Does Implied Odds Mean in Poker?
Implied odds consider the potential future winnings from a hand, beyond the immediate pot odds. It helps players decide whether calling a bet is profitable based on the expected future profits if a draw completes. You can explore more about online poker strategies to better understand implied odds.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Implied Odds:
This term frequently arises in situations where a player is deciding whether to chase a draw, especially in deeper stack situations where future bets can be substantial.
In-Game Example:
You’re holding a flush draw on the turn, and your opponent bets. Although the current pot odds don’t justify a call, you calculate implied odds, considering that hitting your flush could win a large pot if your opponent holds a strong hand.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Use implied odds when facing bets on the turn or river with drawing hands, especially if your opponent is likely to pay off with strong but second-best hands.
- Common Mistake: Overestimating implied odds against tight players who may not pay off big bets.
- Pro Tips: Implied odds are particularly useful in live games where you can read opponents’ tendencies and gauge their likelihood of calling large bets if you complete your draw.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Live players often offer better implied odds as they can be more attached to hands compared to online players who might fold more easily.
Alternative Names:
Potential odds, future odds.
FAQs:
Q: Can implied odds justify a call even with negative pot odds?
A: Yes, if the potential future winnings are large enough, implied odds can justify calling despite negative immediate pot odds.
Q: Are implied odds more relevant in cash games or tournaments?
A: Implied odds are often more relevant in cash games due to deeper stack sizes, allowing for larger future bets.
