Side Pot Poker [Meaning] - MasterTerms.com

Side Pot Poker [SP]

A side pot in poker refers to a separate pool of chips that is created when one or more players go all-in while other players still have chips remaining in the pot. This mechanism allows players to continue betting on the main pot while acknowledging that not all players are participating equally due to their differing stack sizes. The side pot is typically formed to ensure that players can still compete for additional winnings without altering the stakes of the original pot.

In a scenario where three players are in a hand, and Player A has $100, Player B has $50, and Player C goes all-in for $30, the main pot consists of $90 (the total contributed by all players to the all-in amount). Player A can continue to bet beyond $30, creating a side pot with the additional amount wagered by Player A. If Player A bets another $70, that additional $70 will go into the side pot, making it a separate competition among players who have matched that bet.

Side Pot Poker Example

For instance, in a game where Player A raises to $100, Player B calls with his last $50, and Player C calls the full raise of $100, the main pot will contain $300 from the contributions of all players. If Player A decides to bet another $50, a side pot of $50 will be created, which only Player A and Player C can compete for, while Player B is only eligible for the main pot.