[theRealMacoy]

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Would it be relatively correct to say: Equity tells you when to bet an raise. Pot odds tells you when to call and when to fold.

There was another post that I completely screwed up so I'm trying to make sure I get this (i.e.):

You hold Q[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]8[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] in the BB.

3 people limp, and you check it.

Flop: (4SB) <font color="blue">(4 players)</font> 7[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] T[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] J[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img]

What's a good way to determine if you have enough equity to value-bet? Do you say "Well, I have 12 outs to make a straight or flush, meaning I'm good here more than 1/4th of the time so I should bet."

Let's say this pot is 3-way. Do you still have enough equity to bet this flop?

One of my major problems is figuring out when and where I should be thinking about equity. I'm hoping this might help clear it up.

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Ok with 12 outs you have approximately %50 chance of making your hand by the river (roughly 2% for each out times 4). Your equity right now is %50 of the pot. Thus determing whether to bet for value depends upon what share of the betting you will contribute. Against 2 opponent you are contributing %33 of the betting, whereas against 3 opponent you account for %25 of the betting. Now compare your equity with your betting contribution. If your equity is greater than your share then bet for value. For example with %50 pot equity you can bet for value against 2 oppoents (e.g. your overlay is %50 - %33 which is %13....overlay is your value bet).

it could also be said that you can bet for value even against one player with %50 pot equity.

Now lets say that you don't hit the turn. Now you have an approx %26 chance (12 outs times 2...then plus two) of hitting your hand. You have less pot equity thus you would adjust whether to bet for value or not. Against 4 opponents you could still bet for value.

Hope this helps,
cheers the Real Macoy