Main pot
The pot that every player still in the hand is eligible to win. When somebody is all in for less than the others are betting, their contribution and an equal amount from each opponent form the main pot, and everything above it goes into one or more side pots.
The arithmetic matters when three or more players are involved. A short stack all in for a small amount can win only the main pot no matter how strong their hand; the two deeper players keep betting into a side pot that the short stack cannot touch. At showdown the side pots are decided first, working down to the main pot.
This is also why soft-play rules exist: two players contesting a side pot have an incentive to check down against an all-in third, which most rooms permit but watch carefully.
Related terms
Full glossaryFrequently asked questions
Can an all-in short stack win a side pot?
No. They can only win the main pot, up to the amount they themselves put in from each opponent.