ITM (In the Money) in Poker

ITM Definition

ITM is an abbreviation of the term ‘In The Money’. This is a poker tournament term, meaning a player has successfully reached the payout stage. If a player is In the Money, they have passed enough opponents to secure money prizes. ITM is relevant for both small and big prizes and just means the security of getting a payout. 

For instance, let’s say a player is playing in a tournament with 1,000 total players where the top 10% are paid. This means that if they finish in the TOP 100, they would be In the Money and getting a return on their buy-in.  

The term is also related to ‘bubble bursting’. The bubble burst denotes a situation where enough players are eliminated so the remaining players are in the money. 

Examples of Where ITM is Used

This term is used in standard or online poker tournaments as well as live events. Here’s how the nuances differ depending on the game’s variant

• Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs) – players need to reach ITM to secure a portion of the prize pool. 
• Sit & Go Tournaments – when playing in a single-table layout, the top 2-3 players finish ITM.
• Online Play – sites like PokerStars and GG Poker list ITM thresholds and notify players when ‘the bubble’ is approaching. 
• Live Play – in most major poker tournaments, when the ITM threshold is approaching, the players are notified. This increases the tension and requires additional strategic thinking. 

Strategic Considerations

You should keep in mind that reaching ITM is a significant achievement but not the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is to win. This is why players should be aware of the situation and still focus on deep runs, even if they are ITM. Just grabbing quick cash might not be the best solution.

Whenever you’re nearing the ‘bubble’, players with smaller stacks should tighten up to avoid elimination. On the other hand, big stack holders might up the pressure in order to bully and pressure their opponents, seeking to exploit the advantage.

Once the ITM is reached, players should avoid complacency. Direct your attention towards moving up the payout ladder. Most experts suggest maintaining an aggressive approach (if you can) to get chips for a deeper final run.

Finally, tracking your ITM percentage (how often you finish in the money) shows the skill and consistency of a player. With that being said, a high ITM doesn’t always equate to profitability, so strategic considerations are important.