This is particularly true in multi-way pots, where it is likely that one or more opponents will call all the way to showdown. When facing an even money situation (like the one described in the previous paragraph) and holding a strong drawing hand (say a Four flush) a skilled player will consider calling a bet or even opening based on their implied odds. The implied odds on a hand are based not on the money currently in the pot, but on the expected size of the pot at the end of the hand. Implied odds is a more complicated concept, though related to pot odds. If the player's odds of winning are also 4-to-1 (20% chance of winning), their expected return is to break even (on average, losing four times and winning once for every five times they play such a pot).

To have a positive expectation, a player's odds of winning must be better than their pot odds.

For example, if a player must call $10 for a chance to win a $40 pot ( not including their $10 call), their pot odds are 4-to-1. Pot odds are the ratio of the size of the pot to the size of the bet required to stay in the pot. The relationship between pot odds and odds of winning is one of the most important concepts in poker strategy. Main articles: Pot odds and poker probability

Online poker cash game strategy