If you like to play a lot of hands, then you will love the theory of implied odds, as it makes your odds seem better than they actually are. 

But if you are prone to a little loose play, then you will not be the friend of reverse implied odds, because by the very nature of the name.

Reverse implied odds is a term used to describe a situation when your odds are not as good as they seem.

Reverse implied odds generally raise their ugly head when you have a half decent hand with very little chance of improving. 

A classic example involves a case where you think you have the best hand on the flop, but your opponent keeps firing away. 

This type of player is very prone to the occasional bluff and so you decide to call with your half-decent hand.

If your read is right then he, or she, will eventually stop firing on later rounds. 

This means you will win the bare minimum from your extremely vulnerable situation, and, if your opponent has you beat, then you are going to be paying off a costly series of bets from a dominated position.

When you find yourself in a situation like the one described, your pot odds are worse than they seem hence the term reverse implied odds. 

In situations like these, it pays to play the percentages. Choose your spots wisely. There is a hand very few minutes – or even seconds – so when your position is not that secure, and you are facing pressure, then just fold. 

Wait until you have the dominating hand and leave reverse implied odds to the foolhardy and adventurous.