Split pots and playing the board
A split pot (or chopped pot) happens when two or more players have exactly the same best five-card hand. The pot is divided equally. In Hold’em the most common reason is playing the board — the five community cards are the best hand for everyone.
Playing the board
Section titled “Playing the board”If the board is A-K-Q-J-10 (a straight) and nobody can beat it with their hole cards, everyone left in the hand splits the pot. Your two cards don’t matter.
Same with a board like 9-9-9-K-K (a full house): unless someone holds a 9 or a K to improve, every player has 9-9-9-K-K and the pot is split.
Kickers only count within five cards
Section titled “Kickers only count within five cards”A hand is always the best five cards. On a board A-A-K-K-Q, a player with Q-2 and a player with J-10 both have A-A-K-K-Q — the Q on the board is already the kicker. Split pot. See kicker.
How the pot is divided
Section titled “How the pot is divided”- The pot is split equally between the winners.
- If it can’t be divided evenly, the odd chip usually goes to the first winner left of the button (house rules vary).
- With side pots, each pot is split separately.
Split pots in hi-lo games
Section titled “Split pots in hi-lo games”In games like Omaha hi-lo, the pot is normally split between the best high hand and the best low hand. Winning both halves is a scoop.
Strategy notes
Section titled “Strategy notes”- Don’t bet big when you’re only playing the board — a split is the best you can do.
- When the board is strong, think about who can beat it: one card can make a bigger straight or full house. See the nuts.
See also what beats what.
What is a split pot in poker?
Section titled “What is a split pot in poker?”When two or more players have exactly the same best five-card hand, the pot is divided equally.
What does playing the board mean?
Section titled “What does playing the board mean?”Your best five cards are the five community cards, so your hole cards don’t improve your hand.
Who gets the odd chip in a split pot?
Section titled “Who gets the odd chip in a split pot?”Usually the first winner to the left of the button, though house rules vary.
Do kickers always break ties?
Section titled “Do kickers always break ties?”Only if the kicker is part of the best five cards; otherwise the pot is split.