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Step 1
Divide the number of cards remaining in the deck, by your number of "outs." "Outs" is a poker term which refers to your ability to make a winning hand. So if you have two 7s and then get another 7, you now have a chance, albeit a weak one, to win since you have 3 of a kind. That is an out.
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Step 2
Subtract 1 from the number of cards remaining in the deck.
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Step 3
Determine if there are at least those many multiples of your bet in the pot. If your answer was 3 and you subtracted 1, you now have 2. If there is 3 times the monetary value of your bet in the pot--in other words you if you can double your money by winning--then it is smart to "call" and see more cards.
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Step 4
Re-evaluate where you stand after the flop. In poker, you must constantly check where you stand. So after the flop (when 3 additional community cards are placed), again see how many outs you have. So if you now have 4 spades, that leaves 9 unseen spades. That is your number of outs to make a flush. These can also be combined for other outs like forming a straight. Simply add the two numbers together.
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Step 5
Multiply that number by 4. The answer, 36 in the previous example, is the percentage that you will make your flush. So you have about a 1 in 3 shot. (Remember someone may still have a better hand.) This also means that your max bet should be more than 1/3 of the entire pot.
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Step 6
Redo the math after the "turn." That refers to the 4th community card that hits the table. See how many outs you have (it may be more or less) and then multiply that number by 2. This will again give you the percentage of the chance that you will get your desired hand. You will be at 18 percent in the above referenced example. This means that your bet should be no more than 20 percent of the pot.
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Step 7
Go with your gut and get the glory. This is merely the math of poker, it should be noted that betting aggressively in later rounds could be rewarded, as you will scare people out of the round. Just don't get caught with your pants down and not have the best hand.
