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Turbo and hyper-turbo tournaments

Turbo tournaments have shorter blind levels than normal events, often 5 to 8 minutes online. Hyper-turbos, which some sites call "lightning", are faster still, with levels as short as 2 to 3 minutes and often smaller starting stacks.

How it works

Faster levels mean stacks get short in big-blind terms quickly. The game soon becomes mostly preflop decisions: open-raise, shove or fold. Events finish much faster, which suits short sessions.

Worked example

ACR lists "20m - 20/2m - 50k" on some Lightning PKOs: a 20-minute late-reg window, 2-minute levels and a 50,000 starting stack. Within half an hour, most players have under 15 big blinds.

Strategy tips

  1. Learn push/fold ranges for 10 to 15 big blinds. They decide most hands.
  2. Open-shove instead of min-raising once you are below about 12 to 15 big blinds.
  3. Steal from late position often. Blinds and antes are worth a lot relative to stacks.
  4. Don't wait for premium hands. The blinds will eat you.
  5. Expect more variance and play more events to smooth results.

Common mistakes

Find these tournaments

Turbo and hyper tournaments → Turbo filter →

FAQ

What is a turbo and hyper-turbo tournament?

Turbo tournaments have shorter blind levels than normal events, often 5 to 8 minutes online. Hyper-turbos, which some sites call "lightning", are faster still, with levels as short as 2 to 3 minutes and often smaller starting stacks.

What is the difference between turbo and hyper-turbo?

Hyper-turbos have even shorter blind levels and often shallower stacks.

Related guides

Deepstack · Shove-fest / all-in · Freezeout

Play responsibly. Tournaments are entertainment, not income. Set a budget and time limit, and never chase losses. 18+/21+ depending on site and state. Help: 1-800-GAMBLER.