At the final table, every elimination creates a pay jump. Learn ICM-based strategies for navigating the most critical stage of any tournament.
The Final Table ≠ Regular Tournament Play
At the final table, every single elimination creates a pay jump. When the field goes from 10 to 9, the remaining 9 players all see their $EV increase.
Final Table Strategy by Stack Size
Chip Leader
- Target medium stacks with wide opens (they have the most to lose)
- Avoid unnecessary battles with short stacks, but call if the pot odds are good
- Clashes with other big stacks are expensive for both sides — avoid marginal spots
Medium Stack
- The toughest position — squeezed by the chip leader while waiting for short stacks to bust
- Avoid big pots unless you hold a premium (JJ+, AK)
- The bigger the pay jump, the tighter you should play
Short Stack
- Find all-in opportunities before the blinds consume your stack
- Act before your fold equity drops to zero
- With 10bb or less, it's shove or fold
Heads-Up: The Moment ICM Disappears
Once you reach heads-up at the final table, all that's left is the prize difference between 1st and 2nd place.
Deal Making (ICM Chop)
When a deal is proposed at the final table:
- Calculate your ICM $EV and compare it with the proposed amount
- Chip leaders generally prefer chip-chop over ICM-chop (only when they can absorb variance and have a skill edge)
- Short stacks benefit from accepting deals (reduces variance)
- There's no absolute rule — calculate your own ICM $EV and compare with the offer
Source: Upswing Poker, GTO Wizard Blog
