1. Definition
In poker, “All-in” refers to a move where a player bets their entire remaining stack of chips in a single action. It is a form of betting that indicates full commitment to the current hand, leaving no chips behind.
2. Background and Mechanics
A player goes all-in either when:
- They don’t have enough chips to match a bet or raise
- They strategically want to pressure opponents
After an all-in:
- Remaining players can call or fold
- If more than two players are involved, side pots are created
- The all-in player is no longer involved in betting and proceeds directly to the showdown
3. Examples and Usage
- A short-stacked player says, “I’m all-in” and pushes all chips forward
- A player re-raises an opponent by going all-in
- Frequent in tournament late stages when chip sizes differ drastically
Example:
“I had only $500 left, so I went all-in on the river.”
4. Differences from Other Terms
- Bet: An initial wager
- Raise: Increasing an existing bet
- Call: Matching the current bet
- All-in: Betting your entire remaining stack
Unlike regular bets, an all-in is constrained by the player’s chip total and may lead to complex side pot scenarios.
5. Tips and Considerations
- After going all-in, you cannot place further bets in that hand
- Be aware of possible side pots and how winnings are distributed
- In tournaments, all-in may result in elimination, so timing is crucial
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I add more chips after going all-in?
A. No. Once all-in, you cannot contribute further to the pot in that hand.
Q2. What happens if multiple players go all-in?
A. Side pots are created based on chip sizes, and each pot is awarded accordingly.
Q3. Can I go all-in anytime?
A. Yes. On your turn to act, you can declare an all-in at any time.
7. Related Terms
- Side Pot
- Showdown
- Fold
- Bet / Raise / Call
- Stack (Chip Count)
8. Summary
All-in is a pivotal move in poker that carries both high risk and high reward. It signals total commitment to a hand and can shift momentum dramatically. Understanding when and how to use it is key to strategic play.