When Should You Go All In at Poker?

Article By

Jonathan Raab

Last Updated: Jun 3^rd, 2026

Going all in makes or breaks poker players, as they use all their chips when betting or calling. Only one player gets to win in a tense moment, while the losers instantly regret their decision.

To sharpen your decision-making, this guide covers the basics of knowing when to go in, how to calculate side pots, and how to switch strategy to improve your play.

When To Go All In

With a great hand while playing against aggressive players, it’s possible to take away their chips before an opponent claims them instead. Aggressive players don’t like backing down, and this mentality can backfire on them.
An all-in move on the flop can hold back opponents from limping in to see the turn and river cards. This can protect an early advantage and stop players from hanging on until they do get the cards they need.
Going all in can be an effective bluffing tool, but only against the right players and cards. For example, a modest opponent who rarely takes risks is the perfect target to bluff with an all-in move.
Every player will eventually face a time when their stack of chips dwindles. A last stand must be made eventually, but ideally when a good hand presents itself. Holding out for too long can eliminate any chance at staying in the game.

How to Calculate Side Pots

Side pots are common in all-in betting because the players involved are unlikely to have the same chip count. This is not needed for two players, but three or more will potentially require multiple side pots. So, just because some players have fewer chips, it does not mean their opponents have to stop betting on a hand.

For online poker players, it’s easy to handle side pots because the software is designed to track chips and perform all calculations instantly. In offline games, a pen and paper can be helpful, especially when four or more players are involved.

Below is an example of how to calculate side pots with four players, starting with their chips:

Player A: $50
Player B: $110
Player C: $180
Player D: $200
Main Pot: $200

Player A can only afford $50, so each player contributes $50 to create a $200 main pot.

Player B: $60
Player C: $130
Player D: $150
First Side Pot: $180

Player B has $60 left after the main pot, meaning that the first side pot is limited to $180. Players C and D are now the only ones who can compete in the second and final side pot.

Player C: $70
Player D: $90
Second Side Pot: $140

After all cards have been drawn, the winners will be the players with the best cards in each pot. So, while it’s possible for A to win the main pot, only players in the subsequent side pots are entitled to win. Meanwhile, player D can survive with $20 if they lose the main pot and side pots.

Poker Tips for Going All In

Consider showdown value: Never go all-in out of frustration, even when playing short-stacked. A low pair or high card will have minimal value in a one-on-one showdown if the opponent calls with a higher pair.
Try to trap opponents: Having a reputation for going all in can work equally well in moments of restraint, like when Johnny Chan won the 1988 World Series of Poker Final. Opponent Eric Seidel was betting from the late position when Chan got a straight on the flop, so Chan bet modestly until Seidel fell for the trap and made the all-in call.
Don’t be afraid to call: Players who are actually in the weaker position can use an all-in move to unsettle their opponents. At the 2009 WSOP, Antonio Esfandiari had pocket queens against Andreas Flakstad’s pocket eights. Esfandiari made the mistake of letting Flakstad grow in confidence before avoiding an all-in call that he would have won.
Bluff from a late position: Betting from the early position in a hand will give opponents an advantage because they have more information to use in their response. When combined with an all-in, this can form an even more powerful well-planned bluffing strategy, but only with a solid read on opponents.
Use it in a balanced strategy: Being predictable will only make it easier on opponents, so it’s important not to overuse or underuse going all in. By adopting an unbalanced strategy, opponents can figure out how to win.