Pot Odds
Without a doubt, the best explanation of the term pot odds for a beginner is from Lee Jones’ Winning Low-Limit Hold’em. In simple terms he discusses the following:
Probability and odds: Jones discussion centers around knowing how many cards are left in the deck that will complete your hand.
Pot Odds: Once you know the odds that the next card from the deck will complete your hand, you can compare this to the odds the pot is offering you to make a decision. If the odds of making your hand are 3:1 and the pot is offering you the chance to make 4x your money, you make the call. If the pot only offers you 2x your money, you fold.
Implied Odds: Requires a bit more math-in-the-head. This involves calculating not only the pot odds, but also determing the probabilities associated with getting paid off on future betting rounds, should you make your hand.
I highly recommend Lee Jones’ Winning Low-Limit Hold’em for beginning players.
For more great poker instruction about low-limit hold’em, read Winning Low-Limit Hold’em by Lee Jones.
by Lee Jones.