All-in button: how to choose the right all-in marker

All-in button: how to choose the right all-in marker

Categories : Buying guides

A player announces "all in", pushes their chips to the middle… and three betting rounds later, nobody remembers who is all in or for how much. The all-in button (or all-in marker) solves the problem: placed in front of the player, it tells the whole table that their entire stack is committed. Triangle, round button, two-color oval or rectangle, acrylic or glass: here is how to choose the right model for your table, your club or your tournament.

What is an all-in button for?

An all-in button has no betting value. It is a marker, just like the dealer button. It does three jobs:

  • It makes the action visible: any player entering the hand sees immediately that an opponent is all in, without asking the dealer.
  • It secures pot management: as soon as an all-in player is covered by two or more opponents, a side pot is created. The marker prevents mistakes when the pots are split at showdown.
  • It keeps the deal flowing: the all-in player has no more decisions to make, so the dealer moves straight on to the next player without hesitation.

In a home game, it avoids arguments. In a club or a tournament, it is a refereeing tool: the marker stays in front of the player until the cards are turned over.

Which shape should you choose?

The all-in triangle: the most visible

The triangle can stand upright or lie flat and is easy to spot from a distance, even at a 10-player table. It is the shape used in most poker rooms. The XL 10 x 11 cm size is the easiest to read on tournament tables and filmed tables.

CROWN XL all-in triangle in acrylic, 10 x 11 cm

The round button: the discreet option

The same size as a dealer button, it sits next to the cards without cluttering the table. Ideal for oval home game tables where space is tight. The 5.7 cm transparent model is the most affordable in the range.

Round transparent acrylic all-in button, 5.7 cm

The two-color oval: two uses in one

One red side, one white side, 90 x 60 mm. The red side clearly signals the all-in, the white side can be used as a neutral marker. A good balance between visibility and table space for clubs.

Two-color oval all-in button, red and white sides, 90 x 60 mm

The rectangle: the easy-to-read plaque

An 8.5 x 6 cm plastic plaque with a large surface for the ALL IN lettering. Sturdy and easy to pick up, it is the model to choose for tables where equipment gets handled a lot.

Rectangular plastic all-in button, 8.5 x 6 cm

Acrylic, plastic or glass: which material?

  • Acrylic: the most common material. Lightweight, premium look, sharp printing. It can scratch if slid across a hard table, but it is perfectly suited to a felt or neoprene mat.
  • Plastic: the most resistant to knocks and drops. The sensible choice for a club or an association where the equipment is handled by dozens of players.
  • Glass: weight and high-end look, the piece that says "casino". Best kept for private tables or final tables, as glass does not survive drops well.

Which model for which use?

Use Recommended model Why
Home game with friends Round transparent button, 5.7 cm Discreet, affordable, stores with the dealer button
Club, association Plastic rectangle 8.5 x 6 cm or two-color oval Sturdy, easy to read, withstand handling
Multi-table tournament CROWN XL triangle, 10 x 11 cm Visible from afar for floor staff and dealers
Final table, filmed table XL triangle or glass triangle Maximum visibility and a premium look on camera

How many all-in buttons do you need?

Allow at least one marker per table. For tournament tables, plan for two: two players all in on the same hand is common late in a tournament, when stacks are short. Add one or two spares per five tables to replace a lost or broken marker.

Using the all-in button at the table

  • The announcement comes first: in a tournament, the verbal "all in" announcement is binding. The marker confirms the announcement, it does not replace it.
  • Placement: place the marker in front of the player, between their cards and the betting line, in full view of everyone.
  • Counting: the dealer announces the size of the stack if an opponent asks, then separates the chips to prepare a possible side pot.
  • Removal: the marker stays in place until the pot is awarded, then goes back to the dealer.

Caring for your all-in buttons

  • Acrylic and glass: a slightly damp microfiber cloth is all you need. No alcohol or solvents, which dull acrylic and damage the printing.
  • Plastic: lukewarm water and mild soap, then dry immediately.
  • Storage: store them flat in a case or a box separate from the chips, to avoid scratches from metal inserts.

Complete your table

The all-in button goes with the other table markers: the dealer button and blind buttons, a card guard to protect your hand and a timer to pace tournament levels. Find the full range in our poker accessories and poker chips. For a club or an event, our custom chips and items let you produce your equipment in your own colors.

Frequently asked questions

Does an all-in button have a value?

No. It is a marker showing that a player has committed all of their chips. It is not bet and is not counted in the pot.

What is the difference between an all-in button and a dealer button?

The dealer button shows the dealer's position and moves every hand. The all-in button only appears when a player is all in and stays in front of them until the pot is awarded.

How many all-in buttons do you need per table?

At least one per table, and two for tournament tables where several players can be all in on the same hand.

Which all-in button should you choose for a tournament?

A large triangle, such as the 10 x 11 cm CROWN XL in acrylic: it can be seen from afar and makes the job easier for floor staff and dealers.

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