Side pots happen when a player is all-in for less than the other players. That player can only win the portion of the pot they matched, while remaining action builds separate side pots.
How side pots are calculated
The calculator sorts the distinct contribution levels. At each level it multiplies the increment by every player who matched it, then creates a pot. Chips from a folded player remain in the pot, but that player is not eligible to win it.
What counts as a side pot
With contributions of 100, 200, and 200, the first 100 from each player creates a 300-chip main pot. The final 100 from the two deeper stacks creates a 200-chip side pot. If only one player has chips above the next level, that unmatched amount is returned instead of becoming a pot.
During a live hand: AirChips tracks investments and separates layered pots at the table, so the people playing can focus on the cards and action.
Do folded players contribute to pots?
Yes. A player who folds gives up their claim to win, but their chips already committed to the hand stay in the main pot or the side pots they helped create.