Dead Money
Chips in the pot from players who have already folded. Also used to describe a weak player in a tournament who is unlikely to win.
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What Is Dead Money?
Dead money contributes to the pot size without any chance of being reclaimed by its original owner, making pots larger and more enticing for remaining players to contest. In tournament contexts, calling a player dead money implies their stack will likely be transferred to stronger opponents before the event concludes.
Examples
Three players limp and then fold to a raise, leaving their blinds and limps as dead money in the pot.
A short-stacked recreational player at a final table is often labeled dead money by more skilled opponents.
Strategy Tips
Recognizing dead money in a pot can justify wider bluffing ranges, since the effective pot odds for a bluff improve when uncontested chips are already present. When multiple players limp before you, factor that dead money into your raise sizing, since you can often raise larger and still get value. In tournaments, identifying which opponents are dead money helps you target isolation raises against them rather than engaging stronger regulars. Avoid becoming dead money yourself by adjusting your strategy as your stack gets shorter relative to the blinds.