Reverse Implied Odds

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What Are Reverse Implied Odds?

Reverse implied odds are the opposite of implied odds, which we discussed in the previous article.  Implied odds were when you took into account further action on later streets to make decisions now – based on expected equity.   Reverse implied odds  are the amount you can expect to “lose” if you make your draw. 

Example of Reverse Implied Odds:  Let’s say we’re on a straight draw and hit our straight on the river (910JQK).  While we might have had the correct pot-odds to call in the previous street our opponent might also have improved his hand to one that can still beat us, such as the nut straight (10JQKA).  In this scenario we were drawing “dead”, because they was no way of realistically winning the hand at showdown.

When to Use Reverse Implied Odds

When you’re involved in a draw in a game of poker, you can use implied odds to work out the pot value.  However reverse implied odds are also a useful tool when deciding to make a call.  Using the two together, you can create a clearer picture of the scenario – and whether it’s correct to call or fold.  Reverse implied odds are most important when you have a drawing hand, that once made, could also be making a better hand for your opponent.  This means you need to be able to put your opponent on a likely range of hands, and identify the situations that may incur negative implied odds.  For beginner players, the most obvious examples to use are low flush draws that can easily be beaten by a higher flush draw. 

As you increase your experience and skill in poker, you’ll eventually start making much more advanced reads – such as determining when a player is set mining or drawing to a full house.

Evaluation of Reverse Implied Odds

Reverse implied odds are important but I think most of the principles discussed were actually quite obvious to most players.  If you’re on a straight draw but there is a flush draw available, you should already know the risks involved and be prepared to fold if there’s danger.

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