Tournament concept

ICM: Tournament Poker Concept Explained

Also known as Independent Chip Model

The definition, with context from real hands and how it connects to the rest of your strategy.

Quick answer

ICM (Independent Chip Model): Converts tournament chip stacks to real-dollar equity.

In more detail

Critical near the bubble and at final tables. Big stacks lose marginal value; short stacks gain it. ICM dictates wider folds for big stacks and wider calls for shorts.

Try the tool

ICM calculator

Common questions

What does ICM mean in poker?

Critical near the bubble and at final tables. Big stacks lose marginal value; short stacks gain it. ICM dictates wider folds for big stacks and wider calls for shorts.

Which PokerPro tool helps with ICM?

The ICM calculator. It runs in your browser, free, with no signup.

Related terms

Add-On

A one-time extra stack offered to every player when the rebuy period closes.

Double Up

Winning an all-in to double your chip stack.

Freeroll

A tournament with no entry fee but real prizes.

MTT

A tournament played across many tables, players consolidating until one is left.

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