Price in poker is the pot odds converted to a percentage, telling you exactly how often your hand needs to win to make calling profitable.
Price represents the mathematical threshold for any poker decision. When facing a bet, the price you’re getting determines whether calling, raising, or folding is the correct play. If your hand wins more often than the price you’re getting, you have a profitable call. This concept transforms pot odds from a ratio into a more intuitive percentage that directly compares to your equity.
The price calculation is straightforward: divide the amount to call by the total pot after your call. For example, if you need to call $20 into a pot that would be $80 after your call, your price is 25%. This means you need to win at least 25% of the time to break even on the call.
How to Calculate Price
The formula for price is:
Price = (Amount to Call) / (Total Pot After Call) × 100
To find the total pot after your call, add:
- Current pot size
- Opponent’s bet
- Your call amount
Example: Basic Price Calculation
The pot is $60. Your opponent bets $20. You need to call $20.
Total pot after call = $60 + $20 + $20 = $100
Price = $20 / $100 = 0.20 = 20%
You need 20% equity to break even on this call.
When Does Price Matter?
Price becomes crucial whenever you face a bet or raise. It sets the breakeven point for your decision.
Don’t Confuse With…
Price vs pot odds: Price is pot odds expressed as a percentage. Pot odds of 3:1 equal a price of 25%. They’re the same concept in different formats.
Hear It at the Table
Key Takeaway
Price converts pot odds into a percentage that directly compares to your equity. If your equity exceeds the price, calling is profitable. This makes poker decisions mathematically clear.
