Poker Math That Matters

160
4. Someone holds out a deck of cards. If you pick out a
spade, they will give you $4. However, if you pick out
the A♠, they’ll give you $20. It will cost you $1 to draw.
What is the EV of this wager?
Answer:
A♠: 1
= 0.019
52
Other spades: 12
= 0.231
52
Not spades: 39
= 0.75
52
.019($19) + 0.231($3) + 0.75(-$1) = x
$0.361 + $0.693 - $0.75 = $0.304
5. Someone gives you two dice. They offer to pay you $37
if you roll two 6s. However, it will cost you $1 a roll.
What is the EV of this wager?
Answer:
Double sixes: 1
= .028
36
Other rolls: 35
= 0.972
36
.028($36) + 0.972(-$1) = x
$1.008 – $0.972 = $.036