Poker Glossary
ICM
The Independent Chip Model — the standard method for converting tournament chip stacks into real-money equity based on finishing-position probabilities. Because payouts are top-heavy, chips lost hurt more than the same chips gained help, so correct play tightens dramatically near bubbles and pay jumps. ICM is why a fold can be right with a hand that would be a snap-call for chips alone.
At the table
On the money bubble with a medium stack, ICM can make folding Q♠Q♥ to a shove correct — the cash value of outlasting the shorties outweighs the chip value of a flip.
House note
Tournament survival guide →← Full glossary — all 52 termsICM: the reason tournament pros fold hands that cash players frame on the wall.
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