Think Ahead
June 15th, 2010When faced with a bet in a poker game, experienced players consider their pot odds to decide if the bet is worth calling. Basically, they are comparing the amount in the pot with the bet size against the percentage that a hand will win. This is fundamentally sound poker strategy, and is always applicable in a limit game.
In No-limit poker, pot odds calculation can sometimes lead to erroneous decisions. The fact that you may have good pot odds to call a bet on the flop does not necessarily mean you should. Your position in the betting order is a crucial point because anyone can bet anything behind you that could void proper pot odds.
For example, you’ve flopped an open-ended straight draw - which has 5-1 odds to complete - and there are 15 bets in the pot. A 3-bet comes out ahead of you, raising the pot to 18 bets. Calling gives you a 6-1 return on your 5-1 draw, which are favorable odds - but only at that moment.
The pot odds can be radically skewed if someone makes a big raise behind you on the round, or on later streets. Before you make an automatic call when getting good pot odds in no limit online poker, always think ahead about whether you will be able to pursue the hand if raised. Pot odds have to be weighed against your position when playing No-Limit and there are big stacks betting behind you.
