In the previous article in this series (‘ICM in practice’) we looked at how to perform ICM calculations, and if nothing else saw that they are extremely complicated to do by hand! However, thanks to various spreadsheets and computer programs it is now possible to have all the hard work done for you and even to calculate correct all-in calling and pushing ranges based on given assumptions.
If you simply want to see how calling and shoving values change based on stack sizes and payouts, there are many ICM spreadsheets like that at chillin411 where you can enter values to your heart’s content. But, the real power of ICM is to be found in programs like Sit and Go End Game Tools and SitNGo Wizard, both of which offer similar options to help work out whether you should move all-in or fold in certain situations according to ICM.
All you have to do is find a hand history which will automatically be loaded, then by adjusting the sliders based on the calling or all-in ranges you assume for your opponents you can get readouts as to whether you are better off putting your money in the middle or folding. You can also then see how hands other than yours fare or change the parameters endlessly to get a better idea of slightly different situations.
Learning the hard way
The real power of ICM is that it allows you to constantly check up on hands that you have played, in turn giving you a greater understanding of where you are making mistakes and what the correct strategies are in tricky circumstances, like on the bubble. As you will see, there are many interesting situations that come up in Sit & Go’s that the average player using guesswork would not be able to fathom. Using a program like this can essentially teach you correct strategy very quickly.
Of course in doing this it is still important to remember that the results will be based on the hand ranges you input for your opponents, and that inaccuracies here will mislead you elsewhere. Therefore if you are unsure you may just want to set the slider to the point at which calling and folding are equal (the 0 EV point) and examine which side of that your opponent’s range is on.
Remember though, there’s no point being upset with someone for making a bad decision just because you assumed they would play perfectly!