What is ITM in Poker?

In poker, especially in tournaments , the term ITM It is widely used and has great strategic importance. ITM is the acronym for “In The Money” , which literally means “inside the prize zone” .

The meaning of ITM

A player is ITM when you manage to survive in the tournament to the point where receives a cash prize . In poker tournaments, only a percentage of participants win — usually between 10% and 15% of the field (total number of players).

For example:

1. A tournament with 1,000 players can reward the 150 best placed .
2. If you end up in 150th or better , you are ITM .
3. If it ends in 151st , is left out of the award.

The famous “bubble” (Bubble)

The moment just before entering the ITM is called the bubble ( bubble ).

The player who is eliminated just before the prize is awarded is known as the “bubble boy” .

The bubble is a crucial phase of the tournament, as:

1. Many players start to play in a more conservative , afraid of being eliminated without a prize.
2. Others take advantage of this caution to play more aggressive , accumulating chips.

Understanding the dynamics of the bubble is essential to improving your results in tournaments.

Does ITM mean profit?

Not always. Being ITM does not guarantee profit .

In many tournaments, the first paid positions are paid a little bigger than the buy-in , just covering the registration or generating a small profit.

Example:

1. Buy-in: R$50
2. Minimum prize pool (ITM): R$70

In this case, the real profit is small. You biggest prizes are concentrated in final tables and in the top positions.

The importance of ITM in strategy

ITM is important for several reasons:

1. Consistency indicator : Winning players usually have good ITM rates.
2. Bankroll management : Going in the money helps reduce variance.
3. Strategic decisions : The way of playing changes before, during and after the bubble.

However, professional players do not play just to “make cash”, but rather to reach the highest positions , where the prizes are really significant.

Cash in online and live tournaments

The concept of ITM is the same in both tournaments online as live . The difference is in the pace of the game and the psychological pressure, which tends to be greater in in-person tournaments.

Conclusion

ITM in poker means being within the prize pool of a tournament . While this is an important milestone, especially for beginners, the real goal in tournament poker is to go beyond cash and pursue the top positions , where the biggest profits are.

Understanding the concept of ITM, the bubble and its strategic implications is essential to evolving as a poker player.