Pot (poker)

The pot in poker refers to the sum of money that players wager during a single hand or game,¹ according to the betting rules of the variant being played. It is likely that the word pot is related to or derived from the word jackpot.

At the conclusion of a hand, either by all but one player folding, or by showdown, the pot is won or shared by the player or players holding the winning cards. Sometimes a pot can be split between many players. This is particularly true in high-low games where not only the highest hand can win, but under appropriate conditions, the lowest hand will win a share of the pot.

See "all in" for more information about side pots.