Poker deals: splitting the prize pool before the end
A chop is a deal where the last players in a tournament agree to split the remaining prize money instead of playing it out. The main methods are a chip chop, based on stacks, and an ICM chop, based on payout math.
Reviewed Oct 15, 2026
Answer first
90s- 01Chip chop: split by chip share above a floor.
- 02ICM chop: split by each stack’s fair prize value.
- 03Big stacks get more from a chip chop.
Key numbers
Chop at a glance
In short
Key takeaways
- ICM favors short stacks compared with chip chops.
- All players must agree.
- Rooms may require staff to approve deals.
- Leaving some money to play for is common.
Progress
Making a deal
- 1
Pause
Ask the floor
- 2
Count chips
Confirm stacks
- 3
Pick a method
Chip or ICM
- 4
Agree
All players say yes
- 5
Record
Staff writes it up
Deal rules vary by room and event.
Three-way chop example (prizes $10,000, $6,000, $4,000)
| Player | Chip share | Chip chop | ICM chop |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 50% | $8,000 | $7,679 |
| B | 30% | $6,400 | $6,550 |
| C | 20% | $5,600 | $5,771 |
Our own sums; ICM from stack shares.
Chip chop
In a chip chop, each player first gets the lowest remaining prize, here $4,000. That uses $12,000 of the $20,000 left. The other $8,000 is split by chip share: 50%, 30% and 20%, or $4,000, $2,400 and $1,600.
That gives $8,000, $6,400 and $5,600. It is easy to work out at the table, which is why it is popular. But it tends to overpay the chip leader, since chips are worth less per chip the more you have.
The reason is that a big stack cannot win more than first prize. Doubling your chips does not double your prize value once you are near the top.
ICM vs chip chop: who gains
| Stack | ICM vs chip chop | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Big stack | Gets less (−$321) | Chips worth less per chip at the top |
| Middle stack | Gets more (+$150) | Close to fair either way |
| Short stack | Gets more (+$171) | Survival has value |
From the example above.
ICM chop
The Independent Chip Model works out each player’s chance of finishing in each place from stack sizes, then values those chances at the payouts. In our example, it gives $7,679, $6,550 and $5,771.
ICM gives short stacks more than a chip chop, because their chance to finish second or third has real value. The chip leader gives up $321 compared with a chip chop, while the others gain.
ICM ignores skill, blinds and seat position. Players sometimes adjust a deal to account for a strong player or very high blinds, which is part of the bargaining.
Sequence
Negotiating a chop
Step 01
Call the floor
Most rooms need staff.
Step 02
Count every stack
Agree on the numbers.
Step 03
Work out both methods
Chip and ICM.
Step 04
Agree on terms
Including what is left to play for.
Step 05
Finish the event
Trophy or extra prize.
Saves and house rules
Players often leave some money unchopped, such as $1,000 for the winner, and play on. That keeps the event going for a trophy, a seat or ranking points, which are often not part of the deal.
A save is a smaller deal, such as two players agreeing that whoever wins pays the other a set amount. Rooms treat saves like deals and may require them to be reported.
Some events ban deals, and many rooms only allow them with a floor person present. Payouts follow the deal on record, and the official results may still list places as if played out. Read the tournament rules.
Floor rules
Chop terms
Know before you sit
- Chop
- Splitting the prize pool by deal.
- Chip chop
- Split by chip share above a floor.
- ICM
- Model that values stacks by payout chances.
- Save
- Small side deal between players.
Common mistakes
- Making deals without the floor
- May not be valid.
- Using chip chop as a short stack
- ICM pays more.
- Forgetting the trophy
- Leave something to play for.
- Misreading stacks
- Count them first.
Keep reading
Related pages
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01Basics
What is a chop in poker?
A deal where the remaining players split the prize pool instead of playing to the end.
What is a chip chop?
Each player gets the lowest remaining prize, then the rest is split by chip share.
What is an ICM chop?
A split based on each stack’s fair value under the Independent Chip Model. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
02Numbers
Which method is better for the chip leader?
Usually the chip chop, which pays big stacks more. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Which is better for short stacks?
ICM, which values their chances to finish higher. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
How big is the difference?
In our example, the leader gets $321 less under ICM. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
03Rules
Are deals allowed?
In many rooms with staff approval, but some events ban them. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
What is a save?
A smaller side deal, such as the winner paying the runner-up a set amount. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Where can I get help?
If poker stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, private help. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Independent Chip Model Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026ICM payout math
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
- Nevada Gaming Control Board · accessed Oct 15, 2026Approved games and gaming revenue reports
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER