Poker Terms

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ICM (independent chip model)
A mathematical formula used in poker to calculate a player’s overall equity in a tournament based on the stack sizes of all remaining players and the payout structure. It helps determine the monetary value of a player’s chips at any given moment, guiding decisions especially close to the money stages of a tournament.
Image

In poker, image refers to the perception or reputation that a player has at the poker table, based on their playing style, behavior, and past actions. A player’s image can influence how opponents perceive their decisions and react to their bets, potentially affecting the dynamics of the game and the player’s ability to bluff or extract value from opponents.

Implied collusion

A situation where players act in a way that mutually benefits them without direct agreement, often frowned upon in tournament settings.

Implied odds

The ratio of the total expected profit when you hit your hand to the total amount of bets you will have to call to continue, taking into account the predicted future betting.

Improve

To receive a card or cards that strengthen your hand.

In the money

Refers to a player who has reached a position in a poker tournament where they are guaranteed to receive a payout.

Incentive

In the context of GTO (game theory optimal) poker, incentive refers to the motivations or reasons behind choosing one strategy over another based on its expected value or payoff. It often involves balancing between exploiting opponents’ weaknesses and adhering to a balanced, unexploitable strategy.

Indifference

In poker strategy, especially in GTO (game theory optimal) play, indifference refers to a situation where a player is equally well-off choosing between two or more different actions because they all yield the same expected value. This concept is crucial in constructing strategies that prevent opponents from exploiting any particular decision.

Induce

To perform an action with the aim of eliciting a specific reaction or move from an opponent, such as a bluff or a mistake.

Inducement bet

A bet made with the intention of inducing a raise or bluff from an opponent, often by betting weakly with a strong hand.

Inferior hand

A hand that is worse than another hand, typically in comparison to the hands that are currently showing in play.

Initiative

The tactical advantage gained by the player who made the last aggressive action (bet or raise).

Inside straight draw

Also known as a gutshot; a straight draw that requires one specific card in the middle to complete.

Insta-call

When a player calls a bet immediately without any hesitation, often indicating a very strong hand.

Insta-fold

When a player folds their hand immediately without any hesitation, typically indicating a very weak hand or an unwillingness to engage with the current pot.

Insurance

An agreement to receive a payout in case your strong hand is beaten, typically arranged privately between players or through online platforms.

IP (in position)

Playing a hand while being the last or one of the last to act in a betting round, giving a strategic advantage.

Isolation

Attempting to make other players fold to end up heads-up against a single remaining opponent, usually someone perceived as weak.

Isolation raise

A raise made with the intention of isolating an opponent for one-on-one play, typically after that player has already entered the pot with a weak bet or limp.

ITM (in the money)

Describes the phase of a poker tournament where players are guaranteed a payout.