29 Jun 2024 bet sizing pot control You might have heard the term "pot-committed" before. However, it's often misused in situations where a player is not actually pot-committed, leading to statements like: "I have to call because I'm pot-committed..." Let's clarify the correct understanding of being pot-committed. What is Pot-Committed? Pot commit refers to a situation where the pot odds are better than the probability of winning. It is often shortened to "committed." Typically, this term is used when the pot has become very large compared to the remaining stacks, and despite having a low chance of winning, the odds justify calling an all-in bet. Understanding the concept of pot commitment requires knowledge of pot-odds. If you're unfamiliar with pot-odds or outs, consider reading articles on those topics first. Examples of Pot Commitment Let's look at a situation where you might be pot-committed. Imagine you have A♥5♥, and your opponent has A♠︎K♥. The turn community cards are A♣︎7♥8♥K♠︎. You've already put $300 into the pot, which has grown to $600, but you only have $100 left in your stack. Your opponent goes all-in. What should you do in this situation? In this case, you have no choice but to call. Your odds are 8 to 1. ($600 pot + opponent's bet $100 + your call $100) / $100 = 8 Therefore, the required winning percentage to call is 1/8=12.8% Since your hand (A♥5♥) has an 18.18% chance of winning, the odds are in your favor. This situation is referred to as being pot-committed. Common Misconceptions About Pot Commitment Pot commitment is sometimes described as a situation where "the pot has grown so large that calling is the only option," but this is only correct when the odds are indeed favorable. A large pot does not automatically justify a call. Consider the same scenario, but with A♥5♣︎ instead. No matter what card comes on the river, you cannot win. Therefore, even if the pot is huge, you should not call. In real situations, you should often think in terms of ranges, so it's not always this straightforward. However, if the pot-odds aren't favorable, you are not pot-committed. Conclusion Here are the key points to understand about pot commitment: Definition: Pot-committed means the odds are favorable for an all-in call. Mandatory Call: If pot-committed, you should not fold. Misconceptions: Being pot-committed does not justify incorrect calls. Frequently finding yourself pot-committed suggests you should reconsider your strategy to avoid getting into such situations. Being pot-committed restricts your options. Players who frequently find themselves pot-committed should be more cautious and consider if they could have prevented the situation by controlling the pot size.
