THE COMPETITIVE FRONTIER · INTERMEDIATE

What Is Independent Chip Model in Poker?

A model that converts tournament chip stacks and a payout structure into estimates of prize equity.

Common abbreviation: ICM

What it means

ICM treats chips as having nonlinear monetary value; it is a model, not a complete strategy.

AT THE TABLE

At a final table, doubling a stack may add less than twice its current prize equity.

ICM is a payout model, not a rule to fold every strong hand near the money.

Tournament. The exact usage can vary with rules and context.

Also called: ICM, chip model

Study this idea in a wider poker context, then return to the dictionary whenever a term needs a closer look.