Implied Odds

Implied odds in poker refer to the potential future bets you might win if you hit your draw, in addition to the current pot size. Unlike pot odds, which consider the immediate pot-to-call ratio, implied odds take into account the extra money you could win on later streets (turn and river) if you make your hand.

This poker concept is crucial for deciding whether to call with drawing hands such as flush draws, straight draws, or even marginal made hands. Implied odds are particularly important in deep-stacked cash games or tournaments where there's potential for significant postflop action.

Good implied odds can make calling with certain draws profitable, even when the immediate pot odds don't justify the call. For example, set mining with small pocket pairs often relies on implied odds. However, calculating implied odds requires careful consideration of factors like stack sizes, opponent tendencies, position, and the strength of your made hand relative to your opponent's likely range.

In no-limit hold'em and pot-limit Omaha, understanding implied odds is essential for optimal decision-making and long-term profitability. Reverse implied odds, the opposite concept, should also be considered when your made hand might be dominated by your opponent's range. Mastering the use of implied odds in your poker strategy can significantly improve your win rate in both cash games and tournaments.