How the division of the pot in poker is determined

[ProGambler]

The division of the pot in poker is determined by the specific rules and conditions of the game being played. The method of pot division can vary based on the poker variant and the circumstances of the hand. Here are a few common scenarios:

Single Winner: When there is a single winner, that player receives the entire pot. They have the best hand at the showdown, and no other player has a hand of equal or higher rank. The pot is awarded to the player with the winning hand.
 
 Split Pot: In cases where multiple players have hands of equal rank at the showdown, the pot is divided equally among them. Each player with an equally ranked hand receives an equal share of the pot. This happens when players have the same hand strength, such as two players both having a flush or two players having the same straight.

 Side Pots: If one or more players are all-in and have contributed to different side pots, the pot is divided accordingly. The player with the best hand wins the main pot, which includes the bets made by all players. In addition, each side pot is won by the player with the best hand among those who contributed to that specific side pot. This occurs when one or more players are unable to match the full bets of others, resulting in multiple pots.

 

[CR7]

In some cases, the division of the pot can be complex, especially in games with multiple betting rounds and different players going all-in at different points. Here's an example to illustrate how side pots are determined:

Let's say there are three players: Player A, Player B, and Player C. Player A has a bigger chip stack than both B and C. In the betting rounds, Player A starts with $50, Player B with $30, and Player C with $20. Player A makes a bet of $10, Player B matches it, and Player C goes all-in for their remaining $20.

At this point, a main pot and a side pot are created. The main pot includes the $30 from Player A and $30 from Player B, totaling $60. This pot can only be won by either Player A or Player B, as Player C does not have any more chips to contribute.

The side pot includes the $10 from Player A, $10 from Player B (to match Player A's bet), and Player C's all-in contribution of $20. This pot can be won by any of the three players.

After the remaining betting rounds and the showdown, let's say Player A has the best hand, Player B has the second-best hand, and Player C has the worst hand. Player A wins the main pot of $60, as they have the best hand among those who contributed to it. Player A also wins the side pot since they have the best hand overall. Player C, having the worst hand, does not win any portion of the pot.

In summary, the division of the pot in poker depends on factors such as the winning hand, players going all-in, and the specific rules of the game being played. It's important to understand these rules to determine the division of the pot correctly in any given situation.

 

[swift]

I think In most variations of poker, the player with the best hand at the end of the hand wins the entire pot. However, in some versions of poker, the pot is split among multiple players if they have equally strong hands. This is known as a "split pot."

 

[Killman2002]

Split pots can happen in Texas Hold ‘em and Omaha poker when both players showdown (compare their hands) and have the same combination. In high-low games, when some players win the high and others win the low, the pot is split.