ICM Basics in Poker: Tips from Ian Simpson and 888poker

Find out what ICM is in poker tournaments and how to use this model correctly for successful play. Tips from 888poker ambassador Ian Simpson.

In poker tournaments, success often depends not only on your ability to play hands but also on understanding the mathematical models that form the basis of tournament strategy. One of the key models is the ICM (Independent Chip Model). Recently, 888poker ambassador Ian Simpson gave a detailed breakdown of ICM fundamentals and typical situations where knowledge of this model becomes a decisive factor. In this article, we’ll explain what ICM is, how to apply it in practice, what strategic decisions it dictates for players with different stack sizes, and why even strong hands sometimes need to be folded. At the end, we’ll look at what PPPoker club players can take away from this knowledge. What is ICM and why does it matter? ICM is a mathematical model that allows you to determine how much your tournament chips are worth in real money at a given stage of the tournament. Unlike cash games, where each chip is equivalent to its cash value, in tournaments the value of chips changes depending on the payout structure and the number of remaining players. ICM becomes especially important in the late stages of tournaments—on the bubble (the edge of the payout zone), at the final table, and before major payout jumps. In these situations, every decision can cost real money, and sometimes the math tells you that even very strong hands are better off folded to avoid busting out and to preserve your chance of making the money. ICM takes into account two key factors: The stack sizes of all remaining players The payout structure The result of complex calculations is an estimate of how much your chips are worth right now. For example, if you’re on the bubble, sometimes it’s more profitable to fold even a premium hand if the risk of busting is too high compared to the potential gain from winning the pot. Practical examples: when ICM dictates unexpected decisions Ian Simpson, 888poker ambassador, analyzed a real situation from his own experience in one of his training videos on the 888poker YouTube channel. In a satellite with a $30,000 package, when only a few players remained before the money, he was in the small blind. Everyone folded to him, and the player in the small blind went all-in for 30 big blinds. Simpson was dealt a very strong hand—ace-queen suited, which is in the top 10 starting hands in no-limit hold’em. At first glance, this looks like a great opportunity to double up. However, after the tournament, Simpson ran ICM calculations and found that the mathematically correct play was… to fold this hand. The reason is simple: in satellites and on the bubble, survival is more valuable than the potential profit from increasing your stack. Even if you’re left with just one chip, you still have a chance to make the money or win a ticket, while busting out means losing all chances. This example clearly shows that in certain situations, ICM can force players into very disciplined and even, at first glance, paradoxical play. It’s important to remember: winning new chips is not always as valuable as preserving the ones you already have. Strategies for short, medium, and big stacks with ICM in mind Short stack: playing for survival If you have a short stack and are close to the money, your main goal is to survive . The closer you are to the bubble, the more selective you need to be with your hands. Sometimes even hands like ace-queen have to be folded to aggression from opponents if the risk of busting is too high. Your goal is to make the money, not to chase risky double-ups. Big stack: putting pressure on opponents Big stacks on the bubble are in a favorable position. They can use their advantage to put pressure on opponents with smaller stacks, forcing them to fold even strong hands. However, it’s important not to overdo it—mistakes can be costly. Simpson advises attacking with hands that have blockers—for example, king-deuce suited. These hands not only have the potential to make a flush, but also reduce the likelihood that your opponent has a strong king hand (such as KJ or KQ). Medium stack: the toughest spot Players with medium stacks face the toughest ICM decisions. On one hand, they can’t afford to risk their entire stack like short stacks, but they also don’t have the ability to bully the table like chip leaders. If you lose a pot to a short stack, you become the underdog yourself. And if there are big stacks to your left, your opportunities for aggression are severely limited. The position of big stacks at the table also plays an important role. If they’re on your right, you see their actions before making your decision and can play more freely. If the big stacks are on your left, your marginal hands often become unplayable, as there’s a high risk of facing a reraise or all-in. Why learning ICM is a must-have skill for tournament players According to Ian Simpson, situations with pronounced ICM pressure don’t occur as often as many other poker concepts. However, it’s precisely in these key moments—on the bubble, at the final table, during major payout jumps—that a proper understanding of ICM can bring maximum profit or, conversely, save you from fatal mistakes. Preparing for these situations is the key to tournament success. The better you understand ICM and can apply it in practice, the higher your chances of making the money and competing for top spots. Where to train your ICM skills: 888poker tournaments and event-finding tools For those who want to test and improve their ICM knowledge, 888poker offers a wide range of multi-table tournaments with various structures and prize pools. To find the best event for your bankroll and skill level, you can use the free online PokerNews tournament calendar. This tool lets you filter tournaments by site (888poker, PartyPoker, PokerStars, etc.), date, buy-in, and other parameters. Such services are useful not only for beginners but also for experienced players who want to plan ahead for tournaments with interesting payout structures and the chance to face ICM situations in practice. Quick note: the original article was written by Matthew Pitt, PokerNews editor since 2010, who has worked in the poker industry since 2008. Since 2015, he has focused on editorial work and developing online content. Table: main decision-making stages with ICM in mind Stack type Strategy on the bubble / under ICM pressure Example decision Short stack Play as tight as possible, prioritize survival Fold even AQ to a shove if the risk of busting is high Medium stack Avoid big confrontations, especially against big stacks on your left Fold marginal hands if chip leaders act after you Big stack Put pressure on short and medium stacks, use blockers Play hands like K2s aggressively to force opponents out Key ICM tips from Ian Simpson On the bubble and during major payout jumps, your main goal is to preserve your tournament life, not to accumulate chips at any cost. In satellites, it’s especially important to avoid risk if you’re close to winning a ticket or package. Big stacks should use their advantage, but do so wisely, choosing hands with blockers. Medium stacks should pay special attention to the position of big stacks at the table. Studying ICM is a rare but very important part of tournament preparation. Don’t neglect this aspect! What this means for PPPoker club players PPPoker club players often participate in multi-table tournaments and satellites where payout structures and stack sizes can change very quickly. Understanding ICM will help you make more balanced decisions on the bubble and at final tables, which is especially important in club tournaments with a limited number of prize spots. By practicing ICM strategies, you can minimize the risk of busting at key moments and increase your chances of making the money or winning tickets to major events. This is especially relevant for satellites, where the goal is not to win all the chips, but to be among the ticket winners. We recommend not only studying ICM theory, but also analyzing your hands after tournaments using special calculators or discussing tricky spots with other club members. This approach will help you master the complex aspects of tournament play faster and improve your results in PPPoker clubs.