Payouts, ICM & EndingHow-to
Set the payouts
Choose how the prize pool splits — a preset shape or custom per-place amounts.
Confirm the payouts before you reach the money so there are no arguments at the final table. Poker Hawk calculates the amounts from the live prize pool once you pick a shape.
1
Open payouts
From the live controller’s Prize activity (or setup’s Prize Pool section), open the payout configuration.
2
Choose how many places pay
A common rule of thumb is paying roughly the top 10–15% of the field.
3
Pick a payout shape
Standard rewards the top but still pays a few; top-heavy piles it on 1st; flat narrows the gaps. Or choose Custom to set each place yourself.
4
Review the amounts
Poker Hawk fills in the dollar figures from the current prize pool. Check they match the cash you’ll hand out.
Screenshot coming soon
[SCREENSHOT: desktop · live controller → Prize · payout shape selector with per-place amounts]
Curious how the shapes differ, or want to make a deal at the final table? See Payout formulas explained.
Keep learning
Payout formulas — standard, top-heavy, flat, and custom
What each preset does to your prize distribution, plus a quick ICM primer.
ICM and chops, explained
Why chip counts don’t equal dollars at the final table — and how deals get made.
Run an ICM chop or deal
Split the remaining prize pool fairly when players want to make a deal.
Run your own tournament with Poker Hawk.
Get Poker Hawk