What Does Morton’s Theorem Mean in Poker?
Morton’s Theorem describes a situation in poker where a player is disadvantaged by the presence of additional opponents in a pot. It suggests that sometimes a player can lose more money when an opponent folds than when they stay in, due to the collective odds of opponents’ hands.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Morton’s Theorem
Morton’s Theorem is commonly mentioned in discussions about pot odds and multi-way pots, particularly when analyzing how the presence of multiple players affects the expected value of a hand.
In-Game Example
You hold a strong drawing hand in a multi-way pot. An opponent bets, and you are debating whether to call or raise. According to Morton’s Theorem, if a third player is likely to call behind you, it might be more profitable to have them in the pot, increasing the odds you’ll win more if you hit your hand.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Use Morton’s Theorem to evaluate the profitability of drawing hands in multi-way pots, considering the actions of players yet to act.
- Common Mistake: Misjudging the likelihood of opponents folding, leading to incorrect assessments of pot odds.
- Pro Tip: Consider the potential actions of all players in the hand, not just those who have acted, to maximize your expected value.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Live play may allow for more reads and physical tells influencing Morton’s Theorem, whereas online play requires a sharper focus on betting patterns and timing.
Alternative Names
None commonly known.
FAQs
Q: How does Morton’s Theorem affect decision-making in multi-way pots?
A: It advises players to consider the impact of additional callers on their odds, potentially altering their strategy to encourage more players to stay in when holding strong draws.
Q: Is Morton’s Theorem applicable in heads-up play?
A: No, Morton’s Theorem specifically applies to situations involving multiple players, where the dynamics of the pot odds change with each additional opponent.
Related Terms
- Pot Odds
- Implied Odds
- Multi-Way Pot
