协议分奖
Deal Making
Deal making is the practice where remaining tournament participants agree to redistribute the prize pool before the tournament ends, typically based on chip counts or ICM calculations, to reduce variance or secure profits.
Overview
Deal making, also known as “chopping,” is a common occurrence in poker tournaments, especially at live events. It involves the remaining players agreeing to split the prize pool in a way that differs from the official payout structure. The primary motivations are to reduce the luck factor (variance), save time, or ensure each player receives a guaranteed amount.
Common Types of Deals
Chip Chop
A chip chop divides the remaining prize money in proportion to each player’s chip count. For example, if one player has 60% of the chips and another has 40%, they split the prize pool 60/40. This method is simple but does not account for the fact that chips have diminishing value (ICM).
ICM Deal
The Independent Chip Model (ICM) calculates the fair value of each player’s stack based on their probability of finishing in each position. An ICM deal distributes prize money according to those equity values. This is considered the most mathematically fair approach and is often used in large tournaments.
Equal Chop
In a pure equal chop, all remaining players split the remaining prize money equally, regardless of chip counts. This is rare but can occur when players have very similar stacks or want to end the tournament quickly.
Process of Making a Deal
Typically, a deal is proposed by one player at the final table (or in the later stages) and discussed among the players. Tournament staff may assist by providing chip counts, ICM estimates, or calculating potential splits. The deal must be unanimous among all remaining players. Once agreed, the tournament continues as normal, but the payout is guaranteed as per the deal. Some tournament rules prohibit deals before a certain point (e.g., after the bubble bursts or at the final table).
Strategic Considerations
Deal making is a negotiation. Players with larger stacks have leverage but may also face greater risk. Weaker players often favor deals to lock in a profit, while stronger players may decline if they believe they have a skill edge. Understanding ICM is crucial for evaluating whether a deal is favorable. For instance, a chip chop may underpay a player with a small stack because chips are worth more in terms of survival.
Related Terms
- ICM (Independent Chip Model)
- Chip Chop
- Bubble
- Final Table
- Payout Structure