Tournaments
Chip leader in poker
Definition
The player with the biggest stack at the table or in the whole tournament.
The chip leader can bet more freely and put pressure on medium stacks, who risk their tournament life by calling. The pressure is strongest around the bubble and at pay jumps.
Being the chip leader does not guarantee winning; a big stack can be lost quickly in large all-in pots.
Related terms
- Short stackA stack that is small compared with the blinds, usually below 15 to 20 big blinds.
- ICM (Independent Chip Model)A model that converts chip stacks in a tournament into real-money equity based on the prize structure.
- Final tableThe last table of a tournament, with the remaining players, usually between six and nine.