If you’re new to poker, the number of stats and terms that players use can be quite intimidating. Hearing them speak of VPIP and PFR can feel like they’re speaking another language, and it can be difficult to understand. However, learning these terms is essential to becoming a good player, and it can help you make a lot more money at the tables.
VPIP stands for Voluntarily Put Money in Pot, and is the percentage of preflop hands that a player calls or raises. It is calculated by counting the total number of preflop hands that a player calls, excluding blinds. This stat is important to know because it can tell you a lot about your opponent’s style of play. A low VPIP means that a player is likely to only call or raise with good hands, while a high VPIP indicates a loose player who will play a large variety of hands.
When you’re playing against a player with a low VPIP, you’ll want to avoid calling with weak hands and trying to steal their blinds and antes. Instead, you should try to make a big pot when you have a strong hand, as they will be more likely to call. On the other hand, if you’re playing against a player with an extremely high VPIP, you should be more selective with your big hands and be more aggressive when raising them.
In addition to VPIP, another important statistic is PFR, which measures the percentage of preflop hands that a poker player raises. It is often used in conjunction with VPIP to provide a more complete picture of a player’s preflop style. In general, PFR is lower than VPIP, but it can vary from player to player.
While VPIP and PFR are two of the most common poker stats, there are many other important ones that you should know. Understanding these statistics will allow you to read your opponents and plan your strategy accordingly. In addition, you will be able to improve your game by making fewer mistakes and taking advantage of your opponents’ weaknesses.
In addition to these basic statistics, you should also familiarize yourself with the odds of each hand. This will enable you to make more informed decisions when betting and raising. For example, you should always be aware of the odds of a flush draw, as it is a very profitable play. In addition, you should be aware of the probability of hitting a straight. It is also a good idea to study the odds of a straight against each of your opponents’ hands. This will help you determine whether it is worth raising your bet.