Explanation of Leverage
The notion of leverage is intimately tied to the idea of reverse implied odds, as detailed in the glossary section for clarity. reverse implied odds Essentially, leverage can be viewed through the lens of reverse implied odds, but from the perspective of the opposing player. When player A is at a disadvantage due to reverse implied odds, player B gains an advantage from the leverage that is in play.
In the world of investing, leverage implies using funds that do not technically belong to the investor. For instance, in the forex market, a broker may provide $99 for every $1 the trader invests. In a similar fashion, the term leverage in poker conveys the effect that our chips can have on strategy, even if they are not currently part of the pot.
Consider the following phrase as an example of Leverage -> Whenever we find ourselves in a position of strong leverage against an opponent, it indicates that they are likely facing reverse implied odds.
Incorporating Leverage into Your Poker Strategy
Imagine a scenario during a Hold'em game where we are on the turn. We find ourselves out of position (OOP), and our opponent places a significant bet. Since we have deep stacks, there are still chips left for the river round.
Board: 5♠5♦T♥J♥
Hand: 8♦8♣
This scenario is reminiscent of the example found in the glossary concerning reverse implied odds. Even if we think we have enough direct equity to call the turn bet, we must consider the likelihood that our opponent will make another substantial bet on the river. If the bet on the turn had been an all-in, we could simply call based on the pot odds, assuming we possess the needed equity.
Therefore, when faced with the same turn situation, the optimal choice can vary based on whether the opponent has additional chips to continue betting on the river. Even though those chips are not directly involved in the turn action, they significantly influence our decision-making process. The presence of these extra chips is critical, even though they are not at risk, paralleling the concept of leverage seen in the investment sector.
Leverage is thus linked to the depth of the stacks. The larger the stacks are, the greater the potential for aggressive follow-up bets from our opponent in the later streets. Consequently, it becomes strategically sound for the aggressor to bluff more vigorously as the stacks grow larger. Defenders, especially those holding hands vulnerable to reverse implied odds, face increasing pressure as the stacks deepen. effective stacks With over 10 million registered users around the globe, 888poker stands as the fastest-growing online poker platform, adding a new member every 12 seconds. Since its inception in 1997, 888 has been a leader in the online gaming arena, setting standards for safety and responsible gaming. Today, it ranks among the most significant and trusted brands globally, offering an extensive variety of games, high-value tournaments, and thrilling live events for poker enthusiasts worldwide.
See Also
Implied Odds , Pot Odds , Equity , Bluff , Effective Stack