Poker calculator Poker calculator Poker calculators are algorithms which through probabilistic (see Poker probability) or statistical (via a Monte Carlo method) means derive a player's chance of winning, losing, or tying a poker hand. Given the complexities of poker and the constantly changing rules, most poker calculators are statistical machines, probabilities and card counting is rarely used. Poker calculators come in three flavors: "poker advantage calculators", "poker odds calculators" and "poker relative calculators". A "poker odds calculator" calculates a player's winning ratio. Winning ratio is defined as, the number of games won divided by the total number of games simulated in a
Starting hand Starting hand In poker, a starting hand is the initial set of cards dealt to a player before any voluntary betting takes place. For example, in seven-card stud this is two downcards and one upcard, in Texas hold 'em it is two downcards, and in five-card draw it is five cards. The one decision made by every poker player on every deal of every game is whether to continue playing that hand after seeing that first set of cards. Since making this decision correctly will lead to the most long-run profit for a skilled player, players often put considerable study