Poker probability

In poker like in many other games the luck has a more or less important role. Professional poker players say that the poker skills are more important than luck, but for most of us poker seems to be more a game of luck. Like in all other games of luck, the chances to get a certain combination of cards in your hand can be calculated as a probability. Understanding the poker odds and knowing them could make the difference between a poor player and a real pro.

Let’s take a look at some poker hands and their probabilities in Texas Holdem:

- Suited cards preflop - 24% or 1 in 4.2;
- Pair preflop - 6% chances or 1 in 17;
- AA or KK preflop - 0.9% or 1 in 111;
- A in hand preflop - 16% or 1 in 6.25;
- AK preflop - 1.2 % or 1 in 83;
- AKs preflop  - 0.3% or 1 in 332;
- AA, KK, QQ or JJ - 1.8% or 1 in 56;
- AK dealt preflop and getting an A or K by the river – 50% or 1 in 2;
- Two cards suited preflop another two suited in the flop and complete flush by the river - 39% or 1 in 2.6;
- open ended straight-flush completing to flush or straight by river – 54% or 1 in 1.85;
- open ended straight completed – 34% or 1 in 2.9;
- two pair on flop completing full house by the river – 17% or 1 in 5.8;
- one pair improving to three of a kind on flop – 12% or 1 in 8;
- no pair preflop hitting a pair on the flop (either card) – 32% 1 in 3.125;
- 5 players on flop, someone to have an A when one is on board – 58% 1 in 1.7;
- 3 players on flop, someone to have an A when one is on board      - 35% 1 in 2.9;
- 2 players on flop, someone to have an A when one is on board – 23% 1 in 4.3;

Looking at these poker odds you might change your poker game because now you know what chances you really have to win a hand. Use them wisely and your poker game will certainly improve same as revenues.