Rules of Thumb

Quick heuristics and golden rules to simplify complex decisions at the table.

Math

The Rule of 2 and 4

Quickly estimate your equity.

Multiply your outs by 4 on the flop (to see river) and by 2 on the turn (to see river) to get your approximate win percentage. Example: Flush draw (9 outs) on flop = 9 * 4 = 36%.

Pre-Flop

Set Mining (Call 20 Rule)

When to call with small pairs.

To call a raise with a small pair solely to hit a set, ensure you and your opponent have at least 20x the call amount in remaining effective stacks (Implied Odds).

Sizing

3-Bet Sizing

Standard sizing for re-raises.

In Position (IP): 3x the opening raise. Out of Position (OOP): 4x the opening raise. If there are callers, add 1x for each caller.

Strategy

The Gap Concept

Calling vs Opening requirements.

You need a stronger hand to call a raise than you would need to open-raise yourself from the same position.

Math

Pot Odds vs Equity

The core decision formula.

If your Hand Equity % > Pot Odds %, it's a profitable call. Pot Odds = Call Amount / (Total Pot + Call Amount).

Bankroll

Bankroll Management (Cash)

Avoid going broke.

Keep at least 20-30 buy-ins for the stakes you play. If you drop below 20, move down in stakes.

Tournament

Tournament Life (M-Ratio)

Harrington's Zone System.

M = Stack / (SB + BB + Antes). M > 20 (Green Zone), M < 10 (Push/Fold Zone), M < 5 (Danger Zone).

Strategy

C-Bet Frequency

Continuation betting basics.

C-bet more frequently on dry, disconnected boards (K-7-2 rainbow). C-bet less on wet, coordinated boards (9-8-7 two tone) that hit the caller's range.

Strategy

Baluga Theorem

Facing a turn raise.

If you are the pre-flop aggressor and face a raise on the turn, you should re-evaluate the strength of your one-pair hands, often folding.