ITM in Poker
ITM stands for ‘In The Money‘ in poker. It refers to the stage in a poker tournament when players have made it far enough to win a cash prize. Once a player reaches the ITM stage, they are guaranteed a payout, though the exact amount varies based on the tournament’s prize structure. Reaching ITM is often considered a key goal for tournament players, as it represents a significant milestone of success.
How Does ITM Work?
In most poker tournaments, a percentage of players—typically around 10-15% of the total participants—make it In The Money. Once the bubble (the last player to finish without winning a prize) bursts, the remaining players are officially in the money. The payout structure is generally tiered, with the final table or top finishers earning the largest prizes.
Example of ITM in a Poker Tournament
Imagine you’re playing in a 100-player poker tournament, and the top 15 finishers will get paid. When only 15 players remain, everyone is considered ITM. The prize for finishing 15th might be small, but as players advance toward the final table, the payouts increase significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ITM mean in poker?
ITM stands for In The Money, meaning a player has reached a position in the tournament where they are guaranteed a payout.
How is the payout structure determined for ITM?
A: The payout structure is predetermined, with prizes increasing as players get closer to the top. The final table often receives the largest portion of the prize pool.
What is the bubble in relation to ITM?
The bubble refers to the last player eliminated before the ITM stage. The bubble player misses out on the prize money by finishing just outside the payout positions.