Equity realisation
Raw equity assumes the hand is checked down. Real hands are not.
5 minute read
Every equity number on this site answers one question: if all the remaining cards were dealt with no more betting, what share of the pot would you win on average? That is raw equity. At the table there is more betting, and it changes how much of that share you actually collect.
- Position: acting last lets you take free cards and control the pot, so you realise more of your equity.
- Hand type: a small pair realises poorly (it either flops a set or gives up); a suited connector realises well (it keeps drawing); a strong made hand realises well.
- Stack depth and initiative: the player who bets can win pots without showdown, collecting more than their raw share.
There is no exact formula here — realisation depends on how people play. The honest statement is: raw equity is a floor for strong made hands in position and a ceiling for weak hands out of position. This site labels every figure as raw equity for that reason.
Quick check
Two hands both have 40% raw equity preflop: 2♠ 2♦ and 8♠ 7♠. Which is likely to realise more of it, and why?
Show answer
The suited connector: it makes many playable flops and keeps drawing, while the small pair usually misses its set and folds. The pair's 40% is mostly showdown equity it rarely gets to see.