Side Pot
A side pot is a separate pot created when a player goes all in and other players keep betting. The all-in player can only win the main pot, and the side pot is contested only by the remaining players.
The simple explanation
For example, you go all in for $50, and two others each put in $100. The main pot contains $50 from each of the three players, and the side pot contains the extra $50 from each of the other two. If you have the best hand, you win only the main pot.
A closer look
Side pots are a result of the table stakes rule. A hand can have several side pots when several players go all in for different amounts. Each pot is awarded to the best hand among the players who are eligible for it. Understanding side pots is important for deciding whether to bet more or to check when a short stack is all in. The dealer calculates the pots.
A practical example
Player A is all in for 50. Players B and C each put in 100. The main pot is 150 and the side pot is 100.
Full explanation
A side pot is a separate pot created when a player goes all in and other players keep betting. The all-in player can only win the main pot, and the side pot is contested only by the remaining players.
A side pot is a second pot created after a player is all in.
The all-in player can only win the main pot.
The other players compete for the side pot.
There may be several side pots.
Alternative spelling: sidepot, side-pot