EV (Expected Value)
What Does EV (Expected Value) Mean in Poker?
Expected Value (EV) is a mathematical concept used to determine the average outcome of a decision over time. In poker, it represents the average amount a player can expect to win or lose by making a particular decision repeatedly. EV is calculated by multiplying the probability of each possible outcome by the value of that outcome and summing the results. Positive EV indicates a profitable decision, while negative EV suggests a losing one. Understanding EV helps players make informed strategic decisions during gameplay.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term EV
Players often discuss EV when analyzing hands, calculating odds, or making decisions on whether to call, raise, or fold. It’s commonly mentioned in relation to pot odds, implied odds, and when evaluating the profitability of long-term strategies.
In-Game Example
Imagine you’re facing a bet on the river. You assess that you have a 25% chance of winning the hand if you call. The pot is $100, and the bet is $20. You calculate that your break-even point is a 20% chance of winning (since $20 is 20% of $100), so calling has positive EV as you expect to win more often than your break-even point.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Continuously evaluate your decisions based on their Expected Value to ensure profitability over the long run.
- Common Mistake: Focusing on short-term results rather than the long-term EV of your decisions.
- Pro Tips: Use software tools to simulate hands and understand EV in complex multi-way pots.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online play allows access to more data and tools for calculating EV, whereas live play requires sharper instinct and mental math skills.
Alternative Names
There are no widely recognized alternative names for Expected Value in poker.
FAQs
- Q: How important is EV in poker?
A: EV is crucial as it guides players’ decisions to maximize profitability over time. - Q: Can EV guarantee winning every hand?
A: No, EV is about long-term outcomes, not results of individual hands.
