Dead money
Chips in the pot that belong to nobody active in the hand — blinds, antes and bets from players who have folded. Dead money is what makes stealing and squeezing profitable, and the phrase also describes weak players who are unlikely to cash.
Frequently asked questions
What is dead money in poker?
Chips in the pot that no active player is fighting for — blinds and antes, and the bets of players who have folded. They improve the price for whoever is still in.
Why does dead money encourage aggression?
Because it can be won without a showdown. The more dead money there is, the better the return on a steal or a squeeze — which is why opening ranges widen as antes come into play and why squeezing a raiser plus a caller is so profitable.
Does the phrase mean anything else?
Yes — it also describes players expected to lose, as in a tournament field with 'a lot of dead money in it'. The sense is unflattering but the usage is common in reporting on big buy-in events.