Okay, if you already got through our guide on implied odds, then it’s time to go through reverse implied odds. If you’ve mastered pot odds and implied odds, then it’s time to go through reverse implied odds.
Poker theory might be dense in some places, but it’s very important to take the time to learn this stuff anyway. Far too often, people think that they can gloss over these topics, only to find that they really can’t afford to do that. It’s going to be up to you to make sure that you really are doing everything that you possibly can to learn this stuff and apply to all of your poker games.
People often write to us and ask how they can actually win serious money in poker. The reality is that everyone has the chance to win good money in poker, but they’re too busy cashing chance and emotion. Real poker players that make this as their living realized that it’s more about logic and theory than anything else. So while it’s not sexy to talk about things like reverse implied odds, it’s incredibly important.
So, let’s get into explaining what reverse implied odds right now, shall we? In a nutshell, this is the amount of money that you can lose even after you make your hand.
This is something that trips up new players. They see a flush and then they bet heavy, thinking that they’re going to scare players out. Some players may leave the hand, but you have to think about the chance that you could get beaten. It actually happens a lot more often than you think.
For example, if you have a flush, a player could have a higher flush than you. They may even have a full house, which could make you lose money. So even if you catch the right cards, you can still get beaten. As long as you’re willing to allow for this possibility, you can still profit in poker.
Reverse implied odds matter because you can avoid making a costly mistake on the next drawing hand. How many times have you played poker and wished that you could honestly take back something that otherwise ruined your bankroll? Exactly. Preserving chips is the name of the game, especially in tournament circles.
Hands that have reverse implied odds would definitely have to be low flushes, medium flushes, and low ends of straights. You have to make sure that you have all of your options covered to avoid being beaten. There are no direct calculations that need to be made.
Again, it has to be said — never be afraid to fold. There’s always another hand that you can play. If you honestly have no confidence in your hand, folding is better than charging forward like a bull in a china shop. Keep that in mind, and you’ll be good to go!