Outs and Draws and the Magical Rule of Four

Introduction: Odds and Holdem

Outs and Draws (and the magical rule of four)

More Rule of Four Examples

Rule of 2.2 Examples

Odds and Wagers

Tilted Donkey's Pot Size Rule of Calling

Important Calling Examples

Betting and Raising

Wonders of Betting and Raising

Making Estimates

General Points

Rules of Thumb for Drawing

Johnny's Cards			The Board:

Johnny sits back and ponders his hand. He needs one more spade for a flush.

He makes a quick count of the remaining spades.

There are nine spades left in the deck.

He multiplies nine by four and he decides he has a 36% chance of hitting his flush.

Meanwhile, up in the broadcast booth, Howard enters the hand into the Poker-Tronic 5000 supercomputer and analyzes ten million hands. He announces that Johnny has a bit better than a 35% chance of hitting his flush.

Does Johnny know magic? Is this just a special case?

No and No! It is called the rule of four, and is a simple way to decide what your odds are of hitting your draw with two cards to come.

The Rule of Four

With two cards to come...

Count the number of cards that will help you (called outs)

Multiply it by four.

This gives your percentage chance of making you hand!

More Rule of Four Examples

The Rule of Two Point Two

For the next card to fall...

Count the number of cards that will help you (called outs)

Multiply it by 2.2.

This gives your percentage chance of making you hand!

Rule of 2.2 Examples

When you have these rules down, move on to Odds and Wagers

If you just want some quick and dirty answers as when to call or raise with draws go to Rules of Thumb for Drawing.