ICM (Independent Chip Model)
ICM（独立筹码模型）
The Independent Chip Model (ICM) calculates the real-money value of a tournament stack based on the prize pool distribution and remaining players. ICM shows that chips lost are worth more than chips gained, which dramatically affects optimal strategy near the money bubble and at final tables. ICM pressure forces tighter play when the money jumps are significant.
Example
With 4 players left and a big pay jump from 4th to 3rd, ICM may dictate folding AKo even though it's +cEV.
Related Terms
More Tournament Terms
Bubble
The stage of a tournament just before the money positions are reached.
Rebuy
Buying more chips during a tournament if you lose your initial stack.
Add-On
Purchasing additional chips at the end of the rebuy period.
Satellite
A tournament that awards entry to larger, higher buy-in events as prizes.
High Roller
Tournament with a high buy-in typically $10,000 or more.
Bounty
A prize awarded for eliminating a specific player from a tournament.