Pot Odds

Pot odds refer to the value of the pot compared to how much you need to call. For example, if the pot contains $40 and you need $10 to call, your pot odds are 40:10, or simplified as 4:1.

Unlike implied pot odds, pot odds only consider the immediate results of one action. They ignore any future actions.

Comparative

Pot odds tend to be compared to your chance of winning the hand. This comparison can help you decide whether the call has positive or negative expected return: is it worth it.

For example, you have determined, perhaps through counting outs, that your chance of winning is 25%. The pot contains $80 and you need to place $20 to call, which gives you 4:1 odds. Expressing your pot odds as a percentage is 20%, below your chance of winning, therefore the call makes sense. Or you can convert you chance of winning where 25% becomes 3:1, which is better than 4:1, therefore the call is worth it.

Refer to Odds and Percentages.