The Turbo Sit n Go is Pokerdom's answer to the amusement park roller coaster. Starts kind of slow, then all heck breaks loose. Thankfully, it is over in a few minutes. Even though the ride can be terrifying, you cannot wait for the next. And, so it is as well, with the Turbo.
The Turbo forces you to immediately resolve all sorts of contradictions. You find yourself slamming on the brakes, even while your other foot stays on the gas. You gamble with your stack relentlessly, then fold, fold, fold. If you were a car, you would have worn out your clutch before the game was over.
In a nine-player Single Table Tournament, the Turbo itself is frankly, the tenth player. Weighing-in at 900 pounds, this gorilla sets the rules. Every hand you play is against your opponents and the gorilla. Eventually, the big guy will conquer all but one. This could be said of any tournament. Except that the Turbo is a lot meaner than the rest.
So, that is a glimpse of the Turbo: fast, furious, and unforgiving. Can you win? Sure. Here are seven general guidelines that can help your game get started on the right path.
1. If you are a Rock, do not play.
Turbos are not for everyone. So, if your style leans toward conservative, passive, card dependent play, do not play.
2. Selective aggression is mandatory.
This is a game for the aggressive player. One who can assess stack risk versus chip reward quickly and accurately. And, then make the required move without hesitation.
3. Tight is mostly right, early on.
But, just because you are playing tight, does not mean you can just sit and watch. Your goal is to increase your stack by at least 10 to 20% in the early orbits. You must start accumulating chips from the very beginning. Staying ahead of the blinds is crucial throughout the entire tournament. A further goal is to always maintain at least an average size chip stack.
4. Making the money is the supreme objective.
Sometimes you crash into the money with a hugh stack of chips. And, other times you sneak in through the back-door with only a handful. How you get there really does not matter. Just get there! Of course, this advice applies to any Sit n Go. The point is to learn to quickly adapt to changing circumstances. One moment you may be Attila, the Hun. The next, you may have to settle for being Attila's horse.
5. The Turbo is unforgiving.
Because of its speed, mistakes are more likely. Also because of its speed, there is little time for recovery from those mistakes. The penalty for mistakes compounds quickly with the fast orbits and rising blinds. The Turbo rewards both good luck and good judgement. Playing this game will teach you the meaning of good judgement.
6. Card dead is no excuse.
You must play. Even if you have to play without looking at your cards.
7. Short-handed play dominates.
Most of your play will be at a short-handed table of six and fewer players. So, you must become very skillful at short-handed, bubble, in-the-money, and heads-up play.
For another view of a Turbo, picture a peaceful mountain brook. (This would be similar to the early orbits.) Soon, the brook is a faster flowing stream, with boulders and logs strewn about. (Now, you have entered the middle stage.) The stream grows faster and more dangerous. (This condition occurs as you approach the bubble.) The stream becomes a punishing river of rapids and whirlpools. (This describes playing at the bubble.) Suddenly, there is a moment of still, just before the river crashes down a 1,000 foot waterfall. (You have made it into the money.) Now, begins the furious race for first place. And, all this takes place in about forty minutes.
The Turbo will challenge all of your capabilities. And, it will expose every single flaw in your game, and in your mind. Use these insights to improve.
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Copyright 2009 R. Steve McCollum
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