Blog
Implied Odds Explained: When a Bad Price Is Still a Good Call
Implied odds count the chips you'll win on later streets when your draw hits. The formula, a worked example, reverse implied odds and when they apply.
By PokerLevelUp Team · · 2 min read
Pot odds tell you whether a call pays for itself right now. Implied odds add the chips you expect to win on later streets when you hit. They’re why calling with a draw can be right even when the pot odds say fold.
Pot odds first
You’re on the flop with a flush draw. The pot is 60, and your opponent bets 40.
- You must call 40 to win the 100 already in the pot, so the pot after your call is 140.
- Equity needed: 40 ÷ 140 = 28.6%.
- With 9 outs and one card to come, you hit 9 ÷ 47 = 19.1%.
On pot odds alone, it’s a fold. You’re short by about 10%.
Adding implied odds
But when the flush comes in, you’ll often win more — your opponent may bet or call on the turn and river. How much more do you need?
Extra winnings needed = (call ÷ hit chance) − pot after the bet − call
= 40 ÷ 0.191 − 100 − 40 ≈ 70.
If you expect to win at least 70 more on average when you hit, calling is profitable. Our pot odds calculator works this out for you.
When implied odds are good
- Deep stacks. You can only win what’s behind. With 100 left, implied odds of 70 are realistic; with 50 left, they aren’t.
- Hidden draws. A set or a gutshot is hard to see. A four-flush board scares everyone off.
- Opponents who pay off. Players who can’t fold top pair are the best target.
- You’re drawing to the nuts. Hitting a hand that can still lose kills the idea.
This is why set mining works: you flop a set about 12% of the time, but when you do you often win a big pot.
Reverse implied odds
The flip side: sometimes hitting your hand costs you money. With a draw to a low flush or a weak kicker, you’ll win small pots when you’re best and lose big ones when you’re not. That’s reverse implied odds, and they’re a reason to fold draws that look fine on pot odds.
Implied odds don’t apply all-in
If you or your opponent is all-in, there’s nothing left to win later. Use pot odds alone.
Related
#strategy#maths#pot-odds#implied-odds
Practise what you just read
Get the weekly level-up
One short email a week: a new lesson, a hand to think about and a tool tip. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy.