Question 1

What are pot odds in poker?

Accepted Answer

Pot odds are the ratio between the current pot size and the cost of a call. For example, if the pot is $100 and you need to call $50, your pot odds are 3:1 (or 25%). You should call if your hand equity exceeds this percentage.

Question 2

How do I calculate required equity in poker?

Accepted Answer

Required equity is calculated using the formula: Call Amount ÷ (Pot + Call Amount) × 100. For a $50 call into a $100 pot, you need 50 ÷ (100+50) × 100 = 33.3% equity to break even on the call.

Question 3

What is MDF (Minimum Defense Frequency) in poker?

Accepted Answer

MDF is the minimum percentage of your range you must defend (call or raise) to prevent your opponent from profitably bluffing. The formula is: 1 - [Bet Size ÷ (Pot + Bet Size)]. For a pot-sized bet, MDF is 50%. For a half-pot bet, MDF is 67%.

Question 4

What is Alpha (fold equity) in poker?

Accepted Answer

Alpha represents the minimum fold frequency your opponent needs to have for your bluff to be immediately profitable, regardless of your hand's equity. The formula is: Bet Size ÷ (Pot + Bet Size). A pot-sized bet requires 50% folds to break even as a pure bluff.

Question 5

What is the optimal bluff-to-value ratio?

Accepted Answer

The optimal bluff-to-value ratio depends on your bet sizing. For a pot-sized bet, the GTO ratio is 1:2 (one bluff for every two value bets, or 33% bluffs). For a half-pot bet, it's 1:3 (25% bluffs). This makes your opponent indifferent between calling and folding with their bluff-catchers.