Equity

Equity in poker refers to a player's mathematically expected share of the pot, given the current situation in the hand. This term is widely used in all forms of poker, and understanding it is key to making informed betting decisions.

Understanding Equity

In poker, equity refers to the expected percentage chance a player has of winning at a given moment. Equity is usually expressed as a percentage, with 100% equity meaning a guaranteed win and 0% equity meaning no chance of winning.

Impact of Equity on Game Strategy

Understanding and calculating equity can significantly influence a player's decision-making process in a poker game. It helps determine whether a call, fold, or raise is the most profitable action in the long run. Players who accurately calculate their equity and make decisions based on it are more likely to make profitable plays over time.

Example of "Equity"

For example, if you're playing Texas hold'em and hold 6?5? on a flop of A?10?2?, then you have a flush draw. If you suspect your opponent has AxKx, then you have about a 35% chance of winning the hand by hitting your flush.

This can be expressed as saying you have about 35% equity in the hand, assuming your opponent does not hold cards that could improve their hand.

This equity can influence whether you decide to call a bet, raise, or fold. For example if there is $50 in the pot and your opponent bets $25. Then going by equity, it is profitable to call as you are paying $25 but have equity worth about $35 in the resulting pot (35% of the $100 pot once you call).

• "With his flush draw, John knew he had sufficient equity to call his opponent's bet."
• "Mary calculated her hand's equity and decided that folding was the best option."
• "Despite having low equity in the hand, Tom decided to bluff and bet aggressively."