Lesson overview
Side Pots in Poker: All-In Rules and Worked Examples
Separate contributions, eligibility and refunds
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How do side pots work in poker?
A side pot separates chips that an all-in player cannot match. The short stack can win the main pot, while players who contributed more compete for the extra chips. Build the pots from total contributions across the hand, then compare the live, eligible hands separately for each pot. Having the best hand does not let a player win chips they never matched.
Worked example: three stacks, two pots and a refund
Assume three players contribute 100, 200 and 250 chips in total, with no other contributions, antes or fees. These totals already include their live blinds and wagers.
| Layer | Calculation | Who can win? |
|---|---|---|
| Main pot | 100 × 3 = 300 | All three live players |
| Side pot | (200 − 100) × 2 = 200 | The players who put in 200 and 250 |
| Uncalled excess | 250 − 200 = 50 returned | Returned to the largest contributor |
If the 100-chip player has the best hand, they win 300. The stronger hand among the other two players wins the 200-chip side pot. The 50-chip refund goes back regardless of who wins. Check the accounting: 300 + 200 + 50 = 550, equal to all contributions.
What happens to chips from a folded hand?
A folded player’s chips remain in the pot, but their hand cannot win. Suppose the contributions are 100, 200 and 200, and the third player folds after contributing 200. The main pot is 300; the side pot is 200. The live 200-chip player receives the side pot and still has to beat the all-in 100-chip player to win the main pot.
Can the main pot and side pot have different winners?
Yes. An all-in short stack might beat both opponents in the main pot while one opponent beats the other in the side pot. If eligible hands tie, split each pot separately. An all-in player cannot be pushed out of the main pot by a later side-pot bet.
For more than three unequal stacks, sort contribution levels from smallest to largest. At each level, multiply the extra amount by the number of contributors who reached it. Include folded contributions; exclude folded hands from eligibility. Return any unmatched excess. Poker TDA tournament rules also require side pots to be split separately.
What you’ll learn
- Build pots from unequal contributions
- Keep folded money while removing folded hands
- Return unmatched chips and reconcile every award
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