ICM Basics
Read the full explanation.
Read guide →ICM — Poker Definition
ICM stands for Independent Chip Model, a framework that estimates tournament prize equity from chip stacks and remaining payouts under a set of assumptions.
Why it matters
Tournament chips do not always have linear cash value. Near payout thresholds, losing chips can hurt expected prize value more than winning the same number helps.
Example
When three players remain and two are paid, two medium stacks may have strong reasons to avoid a marginal all-in while a very short stack is close to elimination.
Related reading
Bubble Definition
See where ICM pressure often becomes visible.
Read guide →Last updated: August 26, 2026 · Publisher: Double Up Poker