Odds Calculation in Light of Positioning

Odds calculation is crucial in poker. With online poker we are allowed the use of software that quickly and accurately calculate odds—our hand and pot odds. But we should also understand that online odds calculation should be based on how we are positioned in a game.

Thus, we should always get a poker calculator that considers positioning seriously. Other calculators will just give us surface deep analyses of poker situations that cannot be relied on as far as accuracy and relevance are concerned. This is especially so when such calculators do not take into account our positioning. Positioning carries a lot of weight in poker, especially in Texas Hold'em, and specifically in no-limit.

Positioning affects our starting hand selection. Every position needs a different approach with hand play. When we're playing the button position, for instance, we need to set an average hand ranking limit. This means if our hand rank is lower than the average and we're playing button position—which is the most advantageous position—then we really have a weak hand and we better fold than pursue the hand. This information should be available in our calculator software.

Online odds calculation should be done per position so that we get accurate hand and pot odds. We also get accurate pre-flop, post flop, turn, and river hand read and play information so that we become surer of our bet strategies. All these should be seen from the perspective of the different positions. The positions are the button, the small and big blinds, early and late positions and the middle positions.

The most that need positioning considerations with calculators are the early and middle positions, considered the most disadvantageous in a game, land based or online. Each time we find ourselves in these positions we need more help with our odds calculations. Poker calculations can come in handy with this. But there's more.

The best use of a powerful calculator, especially one that considers positioning, is the conditioning of our mind as far as odds calculation is concerned. When we often use a calculator our minds will be used to its analysis and advices per positioning.

Pretty soon, our minds will automatically calculate odds themselves without the aid of calculator software. With one look at a hand, the board, and our position, we can immediately calculate our odds.

Online odds calculation with a calculator becomes more relevant when seen from the viewpoint of positioning. Positioning is really everything in poker.