Independent Chip Model (ICM). If you have read much about poker tournament strategy, then you have likely run across the term, ICM. But, do you incorporate ICM considerations into your play? If the answer is no, then Secrets of Sit 'n' Gos: Winning Strategies For Single-Table Poker Tournaments by Phil Shaw is the book for you. It is the most comprehensive tutorial on the subject of ICM in print.
ICM is an indispensible end game decision making tool. A working knowledge of ICM principles will significantly improve your bubble performance. But, there is one huge problem.
Learning to apply ICM considerations during tournament play requires time, dedication, and lots of homework. Calculating ICM involves massive mathematical computation. It is far too lenghty a process for practical application during a tournament. Consequently, if one is to learn the fine points of ICM, they would do so after the fact in post-tournament analysis. Shaw provides ideas for learning and for bridging this knowledge gap.
And unfortunately, a player cannot rely entirely upon ICM for perfect guidance. As we all know, in every poker situation there is always an 'it depends'. But, learning the ICM limitations, which Shaw covers in his book, serves to deepen one's understanding of end game dynamics.
In his book, Shaw addresses every stage of a sit n go, from beginning to heads-up, with expert instruction. And then, concludes with 93 multiple-choice Sitngo Quizzes. I found the Quizzes to be both thought provoking and helpful. By the way, I got all of mine right. Shaw only missed a couple, but they were close.
See more books about Sit n Gos and Tournaments located bottom of this page. And, before you place a book order, look at the Free Offers page.
R. Steve McCollum
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Copyright 2009 R. Steve McCollum
