Definition
All-in means betting your entire remaining stack. When players have different stack sizes and someone goes all-in, side pots are created to handle the different amounts at risk.
The All-In Rule
You can only win from each player what you put at risk.
If you have $100 and go all-in, you can win at most $100 from each opponent.
Main Pot vs Side Pot
| Pot Type | Who Can Win | What's In It |
|---|---|---|
| Main Pot | All players still in | Matched amounts from everyone |
| Side Pot | Only players with chips left | Excess amounts |
Simple Example
3 players. Stacks: $50, $100, $200.
All three go all-in.
Player A: $50 → All-in
Player B: $100 → All-in
Player C: $200 → Calls $100
Main Pot: $50 × 3 = $150 (A, B, C eligible)
Side Pot 1: ($100-$50) × 2 = $100 (Only B, C eligible)
Player C gets $100 back (no one to match).
Who Wins What?
Using the example above:
| Scenario | Main Pot ($150) | Side Pot ($100) |
|---|---|---|
| A has best hand | A wins $150 | B or C wins $100 |
| B has best hand | B wins $150 | B wins $100 |
| C has best hand | C wins $150 | C wins $100 |
A can never win the side pot — they didn't put money into it.
Multi-Way Side Pot Example
4 players. Stacks: $25, $50, $100, $200.
All go all-in:
Main Pot: $25 × 4 = $100 (All 4 eligible)
Side Pot 1: $25 × 3 = $75 (3 remaining)
Side Pot 2: $50 × 2 = $100 (2 remaining)
Player D gets $100 back (uncalled)
Visual Breakdown
┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ MAIN POT: $100 │ ← A, B, C, D eligible
├──────────────────────────────┤
│ SIDE POT 1: $75 │ ← B, C, D eligible
├──────────────────────────────┤
│ SIDE POT 2: $100 │ ← C, D eligible
└──────────────────────────────┘
Strategic Implications
When Short-Stacked
- Your main pot EV matters most
- Big stacks may fight side pot while you're "protected"
- Sometimes being all-in is advantageous
When Deep-Stacked
- Consider if short stack can win main pot
- Side pot battles can be significant
- Adjust strategy based on all stacks
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It's Wrong |
|---|---|
| Thinking you can win more than your stack | You can only win what you risked |
| Ignoring side pot dynamics | It affects strategy |
| Not understanding who's eligible | Leads to pot disputes |
Key Takeaway
When stacks are uneven and someone goes all-in, side pots ensure fair distribution. You can only win from each player the amount you've put at risk. In tournaments, understanding side pots is especially critical for survival decisions.