When playing poker, it is important to understand the odds of each potential hand. Odds are simply the probability of a particular outcome occurring.
In poker, there are two main types of odds: pre-flop and post-flop.
Pre-Flop Odds
Before any cards are dealt, pre-flop odds are determined by the position of the player in relation to the table. The higher the position, the greater the pre-flop odds.
For example, if you are in position 1 and see a 7 and an 8 on the flop, your pre-flop odds would be 2 to 1 (because there are two 7s and one 8 on the board).
Post-Flop Odds
After all of the cards have been dealt, post-flop odds are calculated based on your current hand. The better your hand, the greater your post-flop odds.
For example, if you are holding a royal flush (a five of a kind), your post-flop odds would be 16 to 1 (because there are no other hands that can beat it).