cold call equity GTO ICM ranges Watch Samuel Mullur, GTO Wizard team pro, break down two critical hands from the GG Millions final table. Learn how stack distributions create ICM pressure that shapes your opening ranges and postflop decisions. Discover the complete workflow for studying final table spots using solver analysis and why understanding your opponent's coverage impacts your entire strategy at the highest stakes. ICM pressure varies by stack position—short stacks face different urgency than covered players, directly affecting opening ranges and call requirements. Samuel demonstrates that high-risk premiums from being covered by multiple players force tighter preflop opens and more cautious postflop plays, even with strong hands like Ace-Jack. Final Table Mastery Through ICM and Solver Study: Stack Distribution Matters Most: Before analyzing any hand, identify who covers you and by how much. This stack relationship determines your entire risk premium and opening range width. Risk Premium Changes Everything: Being covered by multiple opponents creates significant risk premium that requires tighter play to avoid unnecessary bust-outs. Samuel shows how 16-17% risk premium dramatically shrinks your opening range. GTO Solver Integration: Use solver tools like GTO Wizard to find matching final table situations. Filter by average stack, hero stack, button stack, and blinds to find solutions that match your game conditions. Postflop Strategy Adjusts for Position: Playing out of position against an in-position cold caller requires different bet frequencies. Samuel checks most hands on marginal boards even with premium holdings. Exploit While Respecting Theory: Samuel notes LLinusLLove might be call-happy in certain spots, but he balances this read against GTO recommendations. Pure theoretical plays work against strong opponents, but adjustments create extra value. Board Texture and Nut Advantage Matter: Wet boards with many completed draws (flushes, straits) favor the in-position player. Samuel plays more defensively with lower nut advantage, even with decent equity. The Workflow for Success: Identify stacks → find matching GTO solutions → analyze preflop ranges → study postflop decisions → adjust for opponent tendencies. This structured approach applies to any final table hand.
