Side pot
A separate pot created when one player is all-in and others keep betting. The all-in player can only win the main pot they contributed to; the side pot goes to the best hand among those still betting.
Frequently asked questions
What is a side pot in poker?
A separate pot created when a player is all in for less than the other bets. The all-in player's contribution, matched by each opponent, forms the main pot; everything wagered beyond it goes into a side pot that only the still-active players can win.
Who wins each pot?
The side pot is decided first between the players eligible for it, then the main pot among everyone. An all-in player with the best hand takes the main pot but nothing from the side pot — so a short stack can win the showdown and still receive less than the player they beat.
Can there be several side pots?
Yes — each additional all-in for a different amount creates another layer, and multiway hands in tournaments routinely produce two or three. The dealer builds them in order, and they are awarded from the last created backwards.