What Does In the Money (ITM) Mean in Poker?
In the Money (ITM) refers to reaching a point in a poker tournament where a player is guaranteed a cash prize, having outlasted enough competitors to finish in the paid positions.
For those interested in online poker, understanding ITM is crucial as it signifies reaching a financially rewarding stage of the game.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term In the Money (ITM):
You might hear this term during tournament play, particularly as the bubble approaches and players are eager to secure a payout by finishing in a prize-winning position.
In-Game Example:
Imagine you’re in a tournament with 100 players, and the top 15 places pay out. As the tournament progresses and players are eliminated, reaching the final 15 means you’ve reached ITM status.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Tighten your play as you approach ITM to avoid unnecessary risks, but don’t be afraid to exploit opponents who are overly cautious.
- Common Mistake: Playing too conservatively once in the money, missing opportunities to accumulate chips and improve your position.
- Pro Tips: Understand when to shift gears. Post-ITM, leverage your stack to pressure shorter stacks looking to ladder up.
Differences playing over the table vs online: In live poker, reading physical tells can help determine opponents’ strategies near the bubble, while online play requires a keen sense of betting patterns and timing tells.
Alternative names:
“Cashing,” “In the prizes,” or simply “Paid positions.”
FAQs:
Q: What is the “bubble” in a poker tournament?
A: The “bubble” is the stage just before reaching ITM, where the next player eliminated will not receive a payout, creating high tension and strategic play as players strive to survive.
Q: How does ITM affect my tournament strategy?
A: Reaching ITM should influence your strategy as it secures a payout, but aim to leverage your position to accumulate chips and aim for a deeper run.
