Understanding Texas Hold'em pot odds doesn't have to be tough. This isn't a full discussion on when to call a bet based on pot odds, this is a simplified look at the odds of making a flush and how the numbers impact your call.

Before moving on to pot odds we'll assume that you know how to play Texas Hold'em. You know the terms for the game and you understand that the game involves a 2-card starting hand that can become a drawing hand on the flop.


At that point, everyone may already have a completed hand or a drawing hand. The problem is that you won't know until the betting starts just where you stand. If you have the nut-draw (meaning the top possible flush) on the flop, but are most likely to lose if you miss, well it's almost not worth calling a bet heads-up. If there are more callers, that's another story.

As for actually calculating the odds, simply divide the total amount in the pot (including any bets made to you) by the amount you have to call. A $10 bet at a $40 pot is offering 5 to 1 odds (you can win $50 with a $10 call). A $8 bet at a $16 pot is offering 3 to 1 odds (you can win $24 with an $8 call).

Flush Pot Odds on the Flop

Your four-flush on the pot has a 34.97-percent chance of making the hand.

You need pot odds of 1.86 to 1 in most instances to call a bet.

So you play the hand, see the flop, and you hold four to  a flush.Your odds of making the hand are about 35-percent. The Pot Odds you need are 1.86 to 1, so if there is $10 in the pot and your opponent bets $10, you'll be getting 2-to-1 on your money ($20 for a $10 call).

That's worth a call. If the pot is $5 and your opponent bets $10, you'll be getting 1.5-to-1 on your money ($15 for a $10 call). Why bother if you don't think you can outplay your opponent if you miss the draw? Toss the hand.

If there are other players in the hand, you've got a legitimate call, since just one more caller will get you the odds you need. Obviously calling with a hand that isn't going to be the nuts (if it hits) is more complicated. What are you doing playing Jack-6 suited anyway? Call at your own peril and take a crash course in Hold'em.

Flush Pot Odds on the Turn

Your four-flush on the turn has a 19.57-percent chance of hitting.

You need pot odds of 4.11 to 1 in most instances to call a bet.

Well, you see the turn and you've missed your flush draw. Is it worth drawing again for a full bet? Your chances of making the hand on the River are about 20-percent. The pot odds you need are about 4.11 to 1, so if there is now $30 in the pot and your opponent bets $20, you are getting just 2.5-to-1 ($50 for a $20 call). Toss the hand.

If there are other callers in the hand, you've got a good call if the pot is at least $80 for your $20 call. Yes, you may get beat by a river full-house, but that's poker, and if you make the hand you are likely to get paid off on the end for at least one extra bet.Again, if you are calling with a hand like Q-T suited and the board has two lower cards of your suit that's great, but what about the Ace and King. Could another player be waiting to catch a higher flush? Yes, that's a very real possibility. If you are playing non-nut flush draws you better raise your minimum pot odds a bit (perhaps 25% or more) to make up for the times you hit but still lose!