What is Side Pot in poker?

A Side Pot forms when a player goes all-in but cannot cover the full amount of subsequent bets made by other players. The portion of the main pot they *can* cover is locked into the 'Main Pot' (or primary pot). Any additional money wagered by the remaining active players beyond that amount creates a Side Pot, which only these deeper-stacked players are eligible to win. Understanding side pots is crucial for correctly calculating pot odds and equity, especially in multi-way all-in situations where different players might be competing for different portions of the total prize money. Strategic play involves recognizing who can win which pot and adjusting your risk-reward calculations accordingly, as your focus shifts from the main pot to the side pot(s) where the larger stacks are concentrated.

Player A goes all-in for $100. Player B calls for $100 and Player C raises to $300. A $200 side pot forms between B and C, while the main pot is $300.

Side Pot (Side Pot) belongs to the Betting side of the game and shows up in almost every hand of Texas Hold'em. If you are just starting out, read the poker rules and the hand rankings first, then come back here. To practise risk-free you can play against our AI right on the site. Ready for a real table? See how to join the club.