As you know, numbers are one of the most crucial things to think about when playing poker. We’ve devoted our By The Numbers section to understanding odds and percentages, and there’s a good bit of discussion about it in our Strategy section too, but the fact of the matter is that numbers are hard, especially when the game is fast-moving and the competition is tough. Even though you WILL get better at memorizing odds and percentages, it’s nice to have as much help as you can get—just like having a calculator when you’re taking an advanced math test. For that reason, we think odds calculators are a great idea, and every online poker player should use one.
First, how do odds calculators work? Well, there are different varieties, but most online odds calculators are very easy to use. You can determine the odds of almost any given poker situation by inputting the number of players in the game and the hands each player is holding (or the hands you think each player is holding). You can select cards to come up on the flop and turn. When you click on “Calculate Odds,” the calculator will present you with each hand’s percentage chance of winning. Anytime you want to reset the calculator and determine information about new hands or combinations, simply click on “Reset.” The result are more or less instantaneous, depending on your connection speed, and this can be a very useful tool indeed when you’re playing in a live game.
Here are links to some high-quality, free odds calculators. Test them to see which one you prefer!
CardPlayer.com Free Odds Calculator
http://www.cardplayer.com/poker_odds/
This outstanding calculator comes in two variations, one for Texas Hold’Em and one for Omaha. No download necessary.
Downloadable Poker Odds Calculator
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Poker_Odds_Calculator.html A good odds calculator that has the advantage of calculating for games with up to 10 players. Free download.
Hold’Em Odds Calculator
http://www.mulabs.com/hoc/ Another good, free odds calculator. It’s not necessary to pay the $10 registration fee. Free download.
There are also some advanced odds calculators available on the Internet which are NOT free. While we think you can do just fine with free calculators, you might be tempted to pay $20-$50 for a better calculator that will help you while at you are playing at certain sites. The advantage is that the calculator will advise you during the middle of a hand, and it requires almost no work on your part. The following are good choices:
Hold’Em Odds Calculator for Empire Poker and Party Poker
http://www.mulabs.com/hoc-empire/ An enhanced version of the free model listed above, this odds calculator is designed specifically for beating the crowds at Empire and Party Poker. Registration costs $20.
Texas Calculatem
http://www.gold-software.com/TexasCalculatem-review3650.htm A bit pricier at $39.95, Texas Calculatem is nevertheless an exceptional odds calculator that supports most major poker rooms and gives you a big strategic advantage. Recommended.