How split pots work

A split pot is necessary when two or more players have an identical poker hand, a "tie", and all of the chips they win- whether in a single pot or more pots- are divided equally between them. To be identical, their best hands have to have all five cards absolutely identical in rank.

For example:

• On a Hold'em board of K-K-Q-Q-8, two players- with each holding a queen- will both have Q-Q-Q-K-K as their best hand and will split all the chips they are competing for regardless of the value of the other card, unless it is a King .
• On a Hold'em board of A-Q-9-6-4 of all hearts, where no players at showdown have a heart in their hand, the pot(s) will be divided equally between each player (which contributed to them) at showdown because everyone has the best possible hand, a heart flush.

In Omaha, it is not possible for two players to split a pot with a flush because Omaha requires players to use two cards from their hand, which will make the strength of their hands unique. However, it is quite common for Omaha hands to be identical for a straight.

For example:

• On an Omaha board of 10-9-8-6-4, a player with hole cards 10-10-7-7 has the same 10 high straight as a player with hole cards 9-8-7-6, and the pot will be split evenly between them.

A tricky situation in Omaha is when three of a kind or four of a kind falls on the board. Players still have to use two cards from their hand and cannot play the board, like in Hold'em .

For example:

• On an Omaha board of A-A-A-A-9, a player with K-Q-9-8 will not split the pot with a player with K-J-9-7 because they have different strength poker hands.
• Neither has four of a kind, aces with a king because they may only use three from the board 
• Neither has a full house because they need to use two from hand and just the nine will not make a full house.
• The first player will play A-A-A from the board and K-Q from hand, whereas the second player has A-A-A-K-J.

Remember, the hands have to be identical down to the fifth card to be split.

• Half of the main pot goes to the best high hand according to normal Omaha rules or may be split between several players in the event of a tie.
• Half of the main pot goes to the player with the best 'low' hand or may be split between several players in the event of a tie.
• Once the main pot is awarded, side pots are awarded in the same manner.