Introduction
Winning consistently in Poker requires more than just strong hands. It demands smart decision-making and strategic aggression. One of the key statistics used to measure a player's effectiveness after seeing the flop is Won When Saw Flop (WWSF).
A well-balanced WWSF can indicate a strong post-flop game, while an extremely high or low WWSF may reveal weaknesses in a player’s approach. In this blog, we will explore how WWSF is calculated and how you can improve this crucial aspect of your poker strategy.
What is WWSF in Poker?
Won When Saw Flop (WWSF) is a Poker statistic that measures how often a player wins a hand after seeing the flop, regardless of whether they reach showdown. It counts hands won through betting, forcing opponents to fold, or having the best hand at the end. This stat helps evaluate a player's post-flop aggression and overall ability to win pots.
How is WWSF Calculated?
WWSF is calculated as the number of hands won after seeing the flop divided by the total hands where the flop was seen. The formula is:
WWSF = (Hands Won After Seeing Flop/Total Hands Where Flop Was Seen) × 100
Wins can occur in several ways:
- Betting aggressively and forcing folds (without reaching showdown).
- Winning at showdown with the best hand.
- Calling an opponent's bet and having them check-fold later.
Example Calculation:
Hand Number |
Saw Flop? |
Win the Hand? |
Counted in WWSF? |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
2 |
No |
No |
No (Didn’t See Flop) |
3 |
Yes |
No |
No (Lost the Hand) |
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
5 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
If you saw the flop 4 times and won 3 times, your WWSF would be:
(3/4) × 100 = 75%
What is a Good WWSF Percentage?
The WWSF stat helps identify how aggressive or passive a player is after the flop.
WWSF Percentage |
Meaning |
---|---|
<40% |
Too passive, folding too much post-flop. |
40-45% |
Conservative, but still fighting for some pots. |
45-50% |
Solid balance between aggression and control. |
50-55% |
Very aggressive, winning a high percentage of pots. |
>55% |
Overly aggressive, possibly bluffing too much. |
Interpreting WWSF:
- Low WWSF (<40%): You are not fighting enough for pots and might be folding too often when facing bets.
- Balanced WWSF (45-50%): You are playing a strong, balanced game—betting when needed and winning pots efficiently.
- High WWSF (>50%): You are frequently applying pressure, but you may be bluffing too much and getting called down by stronger hands.
Why is WWSF Important?
WWSF shows how well a player fights for pots rather than just waiting for strong hands to reach showdown. It is useful in combination with WTSD (Went to Showdown%) and Aggression Factor (AF) to determine a player’s style. Players with a high WWSF tend to capitalize on fold equity by forcing opponents out of the pot.
Example of High WWSF
Hand: 10♠ 9♠
- You raise from the Button (BTN), and the Big Blind (BB) calls.
- Flop: K♠ 7♠ 2♦ (You have a flush draw).
- The BB checks, and you bet aggressively, forcing a fold.
- Outcome: You win without a showdown, increasing your WWSF.
Example of Low WWSF
Hand: A♣ Q♣
- You call a raise from the Cutoff (CO) and see a flop.
- Flop: J♦ 8♦ 5♠
- The original raiser bets, and you fold without contesting.
- Outcome: You saw the flop but lost the hand, decreasing your WWSF.
How to Improve Your WWSF
Increase your post-flop aggression by betting and raising instead of just calling. Look for opportunities to C-bet (Continuation Bet) on favorable boards and apply pressure to weaker opponents. Recognize board textures and understand when to bluff or value bet effectively.
WWSF vs. WTSD (Went to Showdown%)
A high WWSF with a low WTSD means you win hands by making opponents fold before showdown. A low WWSF with a high WTSD suggests you rely too much on reaching showdown and may not be aggressive enough post-flop. A balanced WWSF means you win both through aggression and strong hands.
Example of Balanced WWSF
Hand: Q♥ J♥
- You raise from Hijack (HJ), and the Big Blind (BB) calls.
- Flop: K♦ 10♣ 5♠ (You have an open-ended straight draw).
- You bet, the opponent calls, and the turn is an Ace♠ (You hit your straight).
- The opponent checks, and you value bet, getting called and winning at showdown.
- Outcome: You win by reaching showdown, contributing to a strong WWSF.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a low WWSF mean?
A low WWSF (below 40%) indicates that you are too passive post-flop and not fighting enough for pots. This usually means you fold too often when facing bets, allowing opponents to take control. To improve, focus on continuation betting, semi-bluffing, and recognizing spots where opponents are likely to fold.
What does a high WWSF mean?
A high WWSF (above 50%) suggests you are aggressively winning pots without reaching showdown. While this can be profitable, it may also indicate excessive bluffing, making you vulnerable to players who call often. To maintain a balanced WWSF, mix aggression with solid hand selection and avoid over-bluffing against calling stations or strong opponents.
How does WWSF compare to WTSD (Went to Showdown)?
WWSF tracks hands won after seeing the flop, while WTSD measures how often you reach showdown. A high WWSF + low WTSD means you win by forcing folds, whereas a low WWSF + high WTSD suggests reliance on showdown hands. A balanced player has a moderate WWSF and WTSD, winning both through aggression and strong holdings.
How to improve your WWSF?
To improve your WWSF, focus on betting more frequently instead of checking or calling. Use continuation bets, raise in position, and attack weak players who fold often. Study board textures to recognize when to bluff or value bet effectively. Avoid over-folding post-flop, and instead, look for opportunities to take down pots with well-timed aggression.
How does WWSF relate to VPIP and PFR?
WWSF should be analyzed alongside VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money in Pot) and PFR (Pre-Flop Raise). A high WWSF with a low VPIP suggests tight, aggressive play, while a low WWSF with a high VPIP indicates passive post-flop tendencies. Ideally, players should aim for a WWSF around 45-50%, a VPIP of 20-30%, and a PFR close to VPIP for a balanced strategy.
Conclusion
Mastering WWSF is essential for developing a strong and well-rounded Poker strategy. It reflects your ability to win hands without always reaching showdown, highlighting how effectively you apply pressure post-flop. A balanced WWSF ensures you are not too passive or overly aggressive, helping you capitalize on opponents’ weaknesses.