Hey everyone,

I have a question about equity calculations, and figuring out estimations.

I recently picked up Poker Work Book for Math Geeks by Doug Hull, as I want more practice on the math side of poker. In the first section he talks about hand equity pre flop, ie 2 hands all in pre flop.

He talks about rules, like a pair vs 2 under cards is usually around 85% vs 15%, but he also says if your cards are suited or connectors you can add approximately 4% for either.

So, by following this, if I have AA vs KQs , that would give me 85% vs 15%, but the KQs gets 4% for being connectors AND 4% for being suited, so the equity would be approximately 77% vs 23%.

Doing the math in Pro Poker tools, I get an answer of 82.94% vs 17.06%, which seems way off. I get why being connected isn't the best, being 2 Aces are out, but why is the equity so far off?

If I'm using his approximation, wouldn't my calculation at the table to too far from the actual line? I'm about 6% off what I should be, which isn't HUGE but it seems higher that I'd like. Thanks!

Its because KQs doesnt make as many straights as 87s for example.

Then you've got the AA blocking some of the straights. And when he gets an Ace for some of his straights you are significantly more likely to get a full house.

The approximation is right though. 87s vs AA is 77/23

That makes total sense. I can adjust my approximations as needed, for spots where the two hands get in each others way. Thanks!