Break-even equity by bet size
A handful of numbers to know cold.
4 minute read
Bet sizes come in a few standard fractions of the pot, and each has a fixed break-even equity that does not depend on the pot's actual size. Learn these and you rarely need arithmetic at the table.
| Bet | Pot odds | Break-even equity | Bluff must work |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¼ pot | 5 : 1 | 16.7% | 20.0% |
| ⅓ pot | 4 : 1 | 20.0% | 25.0% |
| ½ pot | 3 : 1 | 25.0% | 33.3% |
| ⅔ pot | 2.5 : 1 | 28.6% | 40.0% |
| ¾ pot | 2.3 : 1 | 30.0% | 42.9% |
| Pot | 2 : 1 | 33.3% | 50.0% |
| 1½× pot | 1.7 : 1 | 37.5% | 60.0% |
| 2× pot | 1.5 : 1 | 40.0% | 66.7% |
Read it both ways. Facing a half-pot bet, you need 25% to call. Making a half-pot bet with no equity, you need the opponent to fold a third of the time to break even. The same fraction, from opposite sides of the table.
Quick check
Facing a pot-sized bet, what equity do you need? Facing two-thirds pot?
Show answer
33.3% and 28.6%.