Master The Basics of ICM With 888poker’s Ian Simpson
Summary
Independent Chip Model (ICM) is a mathematical method used in tournament poker to convert chip stacks into real-money equity. Unlike cash games, tournament chips don’t map directly to cash value, so ICM becomes crucial around bubbles, final-table play and when pay jumps are large. Ian Simpson, an 888poker ambassador, breaks down practical ICM scenarios in an 888poker video — including a revealing satellite hand where a strong holding (ace-queen suited) should have been folded under ICM considerations.
Simpson outlines how ICM affects players with short, medium and big stacks: short stacks should prioritise survival and tighten up; chip leaders can apply pressure using blocker hands; and medium stacks face the trickiest decisions because losing to a short stack can drop you into danger while big stacks can eliminate you. He advises studying ICM enough to recognise and handle these rare but high-leverage moments.
Key Points
- ICM calculates the real-money value of tournament chips using remaining stack sizes and the payout structure.
- Near bubbles and big pay jumps, ICM can make it correct to fold very strong hands to preserve tournament life.
- Short stacks should prioritise survival and be highly selective with hands as the money approaches.
- Chip leaders should use pressure and blocker hands to exploit shorter stacks while still exercising caution.
- Medium stacks are the hardest to play under ICM—position and the distribution of big stacks around the table matter a lot.
- Studying ICM is worthwhile: while ICM spots are less frequent than other concepts, being prepared improves your chances in money and at final tables.
Why should I read this?
Look — if you play tournaments and want to keep bank balance intact instead of throwing it away on reckless calls, this is for you. Simpson gives real, usable rules of thumb for bubble play and final-table spots so you don’t have to learn the hard way. Short read, big payoff when it matters.
Author style
Punchy and practical: the piece strips ICM down to clear, table-ready advice rather than dense maths. If you often play multi-table events or satellites, give it five minutes — it could save you a big chunk of your roll.