The Wager Calculator compares the expected chance of winning against pot odds (i.e. the call bet verses the pot).

In the cases where a player does not have the best hand, but has a likely draw to the best hand, the player has to decide how much money to risk attempting to get one of the winning cards. Ideally, a player on a draw would like to continue to check, getting free cards. However, good opponents will recognize when a player is on a draw, and usually make them pay dearly to see another card. In these cases, poker theory states that one should use Pot Odds to determine whether to call the pot or fold. For a detailed discussion on Pot Odds, see the Pot Odds chapter of the Support section of this website.

Most players find computing pot odds on the fly cumbersome. Some choose to simply memorize the percentages for common situations. Others go even farther and memorize entire tables. Some players have the mathematical inclination to do calculations on the fly. But even in those cases, errors can be made. And the time a player takes doing formulas in their head could be a tell for an opponent, and the last thing you want to do is tip off your opponent that you are on a draw.

With the Wager Calculator, comparing pot odds to the chance of winning is done in a second. And for those who are still learning the math, there is a graph embedded in the calculator that shows whether the relative value of the call. The Call Calculator works with standard pots, as well as Hi-Lo games.

The image to the right shows the call calculator in use. In this example, the player has a flush draw, which he believes will win the pot. The pot is currently $1000, and the cost to call is $300. As the graph shows, the pot odds ratio is 3.3 to 1. Based on the cards in play, the player has a 35% of getting a flush, which is roughly a ratio of 1.8 to 1. In this case, the pot odds are in favor of making the call, as indicated by the green area. If the pot odds were not favorable, the graph would show a red area. The amount of green or red indicates how good or bad the call would be from an investment standpoint.

The Wager Calculator is a powerful learning tool, in that it shows how pot odds are computed. Take into account implied odds by using the Other Calls field.

Even lucky players should know the odds. Get RealPokerOdds™ today!