Poker term
ICM chop
A deal among the remaining players in a tournament to split the prize pool according to each player's ICM equity — what their stack is worth in real money — rather than by finishing order. Most serious final-table deals are ICM chops with some money left to play for.
Frequently asked questions
What is an ICM chop?
A deal that divides the remaining prize money according to each player's tournament equity — the probability-weighted value of the places they might finish in — rather than by chips alone.
Why does an ICM chop favour short stacks?
Because every remaining player is already guaranteed at least the next payout. ICM credits each stack with that floor first, so a short stack is worth more than its chip share suggests.