Deal Making
Negotiating a redistribution of remaining prize money among final players in a tournament, typically based on chip stacks and ICM value.
iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst
What Is Deal Making?
Deal making usually happens near the end of a tournament, often at a final table or on the bubble of a major payout jump, when players agree to lock up guaranteed money rather than continue gambling on the remaining prize pool. Deals can be struck evenly, chip-chop (proportional to stack size), or using an ICM-based calculation that more accurately reflects each stack's real-money value. Tournament staff typically must approve and facilitate any deal before it is finalized.
Examples
Three players remaining agree to an ICM deal, locking up guaranteed payouts while leaving a small amount for the eventual winner.
Two short stacks at a final table propose a chip-chop deal to reduce variance before continuing play.
Strategy Tips
Always request an ICM calculation rather than agreeing to an even or simple chip-chop split, since ICM more accurately values each stack given the remaining payout structure. Be willing to negotiate but understand your leverage: big stacks can push for less favorable deals against short stacks who face elimination risk. If you are a skilled player with a stack disadvantage, consider whether continuing to play might yield more value than the deal on the table. Always get the deal confirmed by tournament staff to make it official and enforceable.