Math Question - Need some Advices

[imashyboi]

Hey, Can someone tell me what kind of math is needed to apply lots of the numbers in the game of hold'em. I am terrible in math and needs to review tons of high school books. I'm probably going to get a books for dummies in math to review some of the things I have forgotten. Please, no "smart ass" replies since I am trying to learn here, just direct me to the right direction. Thanks

[sin808]

What do you mean by 'apply lots of the numbers'? Unless your calculating SD or EV or something, you can pretty much get by with division (pot odds, size, etc).

[imashyboi]

I'm pretty much just wondering what other math skills I need either than division. I know there is a little algebra in hold'em but I don't think you actually get to use that when your in a hand. How about knowing fractions? I seem to have a hard time changing 1/4 to 25%, I don't know how to provide the solution which is bugging me. I'm sure these are all basic math skills that I just need to review. Thanks for the reply.

[sin808]

I've yet to run into anything at the table that requires me to do much math other than divide #'s. I don't ever really bother to convert anything to percentages, I find odds easier to work with mentally anyway. I'm kind of in a similar boat as you though, I didn't bother to learn much math when I was in school. The math I know, I know well, but since I didn't take any higher level math courses some of the math I run into away from the table can be confusing (probabilities and such).
I tried refreshing and learning using the net and books and whatnot and found it more frustrating than anything. I gave up and decided to go back to school since many of the things that interest me are pretty math heavy (physics, economics, etc). Figured it'd be a bit easier that way, and it'll be useful to me in many areas.
Along the way I did run across a couple of books that have helped alot while at the table.
link
I've found the tricks they give in this book to pretty useful for rapidly calculating in your head. Might be kind of what your looking for.

[imashyboi]

Same here, I don't even know my Algebra all that well either. I took it in college but dropped out after I have to do the problem solving which I hate so much. I never took statistics either which is why I am lacking in probabilities. I guess I better refresh my memory. I'll probably take a look at that book and see what I can learn. Just curious, what limit do you play anyways?

[MrTrik]

We're not talking about mathematics at game time. During analysis, sure there might be some true math. During the game it's simple arithmetic. Add, subtract, multiply and divide. And when it comes to odds, just a decent approximation does wonders and probably accomplishes more than your opponents are doing.

[sin808]

1/2 mainly, both full ring and 5/6-max.