A Method for the Mathness?

Hi there - first post, sorry if this question has been covered. I'd appreciate some input or direction.

I'm struggling to wrap my brain around the entire subject of the math of poker. I understand, but do not have memorized, certain concepts and a few standard percentages but I thought maybe I'd ask if someone has had success with a method to understanding and eventually getting a firm grasp on the math of poker.

I was thinking something like: first memorize "this", then move on to calculating "this", etc.

Anyway, if anyone has a good idea of how one should take baby steps to understanding/mastering these concepts, I sure would appreciate some input.

Continued luck to you, thanks for reading.

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...=361559#361559


interesting debate to get started.

Originally Posted by Trainer_jyms

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=361559#361559


interesting debate to get started.

Spenda involved in an argument? Can't be...

P.S. For the next 5 minutes I have something interesting to read, thanks TJ!

We have all changed since that thread. We all have had our moments.

I think there is some very relevant discussion in there to dissect "poker maths"

I loled, good find. I totally remember that thread, but had no idea it was spenda.

I don't think that driver's question really got answered...

First off, you can avoid math in NL by flat-out refusing to call on a draw or when you think you are behind (unless the person bets near the minimum). That's not optimal play, but it's a decent way to play without ever doing math.

Next, memorize the major draw percentages. Basically, what you care about are that flush and open-ended straight draws make the best hand about 1/3 of the time after the flop and just under 1/5 of the time after the turn. That means you can profitably call 1/3 the pot (or less) on the flop if you will see both the turn and the river without having to call another bet. And you can profitably call 1/5 the pot (or less) on the turn.

If you have a combonation draw (flush + straight draw, or open-ended straight draw + pair, etc), then you are the favorite on the flop (don't just call - RAISE!), and you are going to win just over 1/4 of the time on the turn (so you can profitably call up to 1/4 the size of the pot).

When you are ready to start calculating, count the number of outs you have (number of ways you can make the best hand). Then multiply that number by 2. If you are on the flop, multiply it by 2 again. If it's 34 or more, subtract 1. This is the approximate percentage of times you will win (assuming all of your outs actually let you win the hand).

Next, compare the bet you must call to the total size of the pot. This is called pot odds. You are willing to call bets that are small enough to offer you good odds on the call. That means you have to win the hand often enough that the size of the pot compensates you for the loosing the amount of the bet when you don't make your hand. Specifically, look for this to match the percentage of times you will win (i.e. call $2 into $10 if you will win more than 20%).