Enter Heads Up Poker Details
Use card codes such as AH, KD, QS, JC, TC, 9H. Suits are C, D, H, and S.
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Hero | Villain | Board | Pot | Call | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preflop race | AH KH | QS QC | None | 100 | 45 | Estimate all-in equity before the flop. |
| Flop draw | AH QH | KC KD | JH TH 2C | 180 | 60 | Check draw equity and call value. |
| River decision | AS AD | KS QS | AC 7D 5H JS 2S | 240 | 80 | Exact final board comparison. |
Formula Used
Hero equity = (Hero wins + 0.5 × Ties) ÷ Total trials × 100.
Hero win rate = Hero wins ÷ Total trials × 100.
Tie rate = Ties ÷ Total trials × 100.
Break-even equity = Amount to call ÷ (Current pot + Amount to call) × 100.
Expected value = Equity × (Current pot + Call) × (1 − Rake %) − Call.
Exact mode checks every possible remaining board runout when two or fewer board cards are missing. Simulation mode samples random runouts when more hidden cards remain.
How To Use This Calculator
- Enter two hero cards, such as AH KH.
- Enter two villain cards, such as QS QC.
- Add board cards if any are already visible.
- Enter the current pot and the amount needed to call.
- Add rake if you want a net expected value estimate.
- Select auto, exact, or simulation mode.
- Press the calculate button.
- Review equity, pot odds, expected value, chart, and export buttons.
Heads Up Poker Equity Guide
What This Calculator Measures
Heads up poker is a direct contest between two hands. Every card matters. This calculator compares the hero hand against one known opponent hand. It can work before the flop, on the flop, on the turn, or on the river. The result shows wins, losses, ties, and total equity.
Why Equity Matters
Equity is your average share of the pot. A hand may be behind now. It can still have strong equity because future cards may improve it. Flush draws, straight draws, overcards, pairs, and made hands all change the number. Better equity estimates create better calls, folds, and value bets.
Pot Odds And Break-even Calls
Pot odds compare the call price with the pot you can win. A small call needs less equity. A large call needs more equity. If your equity is higher than the break-even percentage, calling is usually profitable. If your equity is lower, folding is often better.
Exact And Simulated Results
Exact enumeration checks all remaining runouts when the job is small. This is useful on the turn and river. Simulation estimates equity by sampling many random boards. It is useful before the flop or when many cards are still hidden. More iterations usually give steadier results.
Reading The Output
The win percentage shows how often the hero wins outright. The tie percentage shows chopped pots. Equity gives half credit for ties. Expected value combines equity, pot size, call amount, and rake. The hand distribution table shows how often the hero finishes with each hand class. Use these numbers as decision support, not as a guarantee.
FAQs
1. What is a heads up poker calculator?
It compares two private poker hands and estimates how often each hand wins, loses, or ties after the full board is complete.
2. Which poker format does this tool use?
It uses Texas Hold’em style evaluation with two private cards for each player and up to five shared board cards.
3. What card format should I enter?
Use rank and suit together. Examples include AH, KD, QS, JC, TC, and 9H. Separate cards with spaces or commas.
4. What does equity mean?
Equity is the hand’s average share of the pot. Wins count fully. Ties count as half because the pot is split.
5. When does exact mode work best?
Exact mode works best when only zero, one, or two board cards are unknown. It checks every possible remaining runout.
6. Why use simulation mode?
Simulation mode is faster when many cards are unknown. It samples random future boards and estimates likely results.
7. What is break-even equity?
Break-even equity is the minimum equity needed to call based on pot size and call amount before considering strategy factors.
8. Can I export the result?
Yes. After calculation, use the CSV or PDF button to save the summary, percentages, expected value, and decision note.