In a typical poker game, when players make their bets, those contributions form the main pot. This pot is contested by all players still in the hand at the showdown. If additional bets are made by some players while others fold, side pots may be created, but the main pot remains the initial collective amount that all active players have contributed to the hand. The main pot is crucial because it represents the central prize that players are vying to win, and it determines the amount that can be won when a hand is resolved.
Main Pot Example
For example, if three players are in a hand, and Player A bets 10 chips, Player B calls, and Player C folds, the main pot will consist of 20 chips. If later in the round, Player A bets another 20 chips and Player B calls, the main pot would then increase to 60 chips, with all remaining active players eligible to win that amount at the end of the hand.