You will find that you can easily remember a few of the most common situations for outs such as the four flush or straight draw but there has to be an easier way than memorizing the figures for every number of outs. The good news is that there is a way to get a good estimation of the odds.

The Rule of Four -Two.

The rule of four-two, as I like to call it, is an easier way to figure the odds for any situation where you know your outs. It is not completely accurate but it will give you a quick "ballpark" figure of your chances for making a hand. Here is how it works.

With two cards to come after the flop you multiply your number of outs by four. With one card to come after the turn, you multiply your number of outs by two. This will give you a quick figure to work with. If you have a four-card flush after the flop you have nine outs. With two cards to come, you multiply the nine by four and you get 36 percent chance of making the flush. The chart shows the true odds at 35 percent. With one card to come you multiply nine by two and get 18 percent. The chart shows that the true figure is 19.6. It is not completely accurate but it is pretty close, and it is an easy calculation to do in your head.

In January 2000, I started to learn how to play Texas Hold’em. I wrote about my experiences in a series of article on this site. I have since written a book titled “From the Kitchen to the Cardroom- Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold’em” (January 2003 Bonus Books Inc.) The Rule of Four - Two above was reprinted from that book. To order an autographed copy or to compare prices Click on the links below or on the side bar.

Until next time, remember:
"Luck comes and goes...Knowledge Stays Forever."

~Guide Bill Burton