You are absolutely correct, JT.

If a player is all-in, he can only win the amount that he is all-in for IF he beats all others' hands. All bets matching this all-in amount become the main pot.

If it is heads-up (one-on-one) at this point, the opening bettor takes back the balance of his chips after matching the all-in player's chip amount. If the all-in player opened the bet, then the caller simply matches his chip amount and it is a showdown -- finish dealing the board to the end.

If more than two players are in the pot, each with bets amounting to more than the all-in player, the remaining players are playing for the side pot. The side pot is the balance of the remaining players' chips after the all-in player's chips are matched.

After all rounds are finished, all but the all-in player show cards and the best hand at this point wins the side pot. Next, that winner's hand is compared to the all-in player's hand. If it is better than the all-in player's hand, he also wins the main pot. If the all-in player's hand is better, he wins the main pot.


Hope that made sense.