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Implied & Reverse Implied Odds

Looking Beyond the Current Pot

What Are Implied Odds?

Implied odds extend the concept of pot odds by considering the money you expect to win on future streets if you hit your draw. While pot odds only look at the current pot vs. your call, implied odds factor in what you'll likely win after making your hand.

This is why drawing hands like suited connectors and small pocket pairs can be profitable to play even when the immediate pot odds aren't favorable — if you hit, you stand to win a much larger pot.

You have a flush draw on the flop. The pot is $40 and you need to call

0. Your pot odds are 3:1, but you estimate villain will pay off $60 more if you hit. What are your implied odds?

Worked Example

Situation:

You hold 7♥ 8♥ on a flop of 5♠ 6♦ K♣. The pot is

0 and your opponent bets
0.

Pot Odds:

You need to call

0 into a pot of $30, giving you 3:1 pot odds (25%). You have an open-ended straight draw with 8 outs, giving you about 17% on the turn (31% through the river). Pot odds alone say fold.

With Implied Odds:

If you hit your straight (4 or 9), your opponent likely has a strong hand (top pair or better) and will pay off a significant bet. You estimate you can win an additional $40-60 on the turn and river. Now you're risking

0 to potentially win $70-90, making the call profitable.

Reverse Implied Odds

Reverse implied odds are the opposite — the money you expect to lose on future streets when you make your hand but it's not the best hand. This is most dangerous with hands that make second-best hands.

Example: You hold A♣ 3♣ on a board of K♣ 7♣ 2♠. You have a flush draw, but if a club comes and your opponent holds Q♣ J♣ or higher flush cards, you'll make your flush but lose a big pot. Your implied odds are reduced because you often lose even when you hit.

Reverse implied odds are highest with:

  • -Low flush draws — you make a flush but lose to a higher flush
  • -Bottom set — you make three of a kind but opponents can have higher sets
  • -Dominated draws — straight draws where opponents could have higher straights
  • -Top pair weak kicker — you pair the top card but lose to a better kicker

Which situation has the WORST implied odds?

Implied Odds Decision

Pre-Flop

Your Hand

5♥
5♦

UTG raises to 3BB. You are on the button with pocket fives. 3 players left to act.

Factors That Increase Implied Odds

Good Implied Odds

  • - Deep stacks (more to win)
  • - Opponent has strong range
  • - Hidden draws (sets, straights)
  • - Position (control action)
  • - Opponent tends to pay off

Poor Implied Odds

  • - Short stacks (less to win)
  • - Obvious draws (flush cards)
  • - Opponent can easily fold
  • - Multi-way pots (harder to value bet)
  • - Out of position

Complete the Quizzes

Answer all quiz questions correctly to complete this lesson and earn XP.

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