HOW TO CONFUSE YOUR OPPONENT IN HEADS UP POKER

INTRODUCTION TO HEADS UP GAME

A heads up match is usually one that will be contested between two players come the showdown, hence the reason why it will be viewed as a head-to-head clash.

Virtually any cash game between experienced poker players will be tense, and arguably the bulk of cash games will see aggressive players come to the fore in the later streets.

In the following sections, we will assess all aspects of heads up, including basic rules, heads up play strategy, and how to win heads up.

BASIC ISSUES IN HEADS UP POKER

More often than not, heads up is talked about in the same way as other popular poker types such as Texas Hold’Em and Omaha, but it is not a separate game if that makes sense.

Instead, playing heads up should be viewed through the lens of how you would approach any poker game, whether you are in the small blind or big blind, as well as tactics you would use from the pre flop to the post flop stages.

However, to add confusion, heads up has some adaptations from Texas Hold’Em. But as you are facing just one opponent, being able to bluff with what you view as the worst hand and grab money from the pot can be intrinsically more difficult.

With fewer players involved, whoever is dealt a strong hand is more likely to win, and the margins for error are much smaller.

WHAT MAKES HEADS UP POKER DIFFERENT FROM OTHER POKER VARIANTS?

Well, this is a bit of a misnomer, as a heads up match broadly incorporates most types of poker. More widely speaking, the heads up rules will see some tweaks that a heads up player will need to keep in mind when they play limit hold’em games.

Moreover, the rules for heads up are reversed as to who is dealt, and who plays from the small blind/big blind at the table. The dealer will post on the small blind, while players will always post on the big blind.

The dealer will also act first in the pre flop or early stages of a ring game, and the big blind will make the first move on the flop, turn, and river.

Meanwhile, the dealer posts last on the flop, turn, and river, and it is something those playing poker should be aware of.

THE MOST IMPORTANT RULES OF HEADS UP POKER

For those who wish to play heads up, here are some of the main rules you need to understand.

Reversal of small and big blinds

• The normal position of the small and big blinds in poker here will be reversed. The dealer will post the short blind and an opponent posts the big blind.

Only two players involved

• There will only be two poker players at the table. But a player who has received their hole cards will be playing in the big blind. The dealer is always last to make their play for the button posted in the big blind.

HOW TO PLAY HEADS UP POKER?

An experienced heads up player will be proficient in how to approach things whether it be a ring game or cash games. For those poker players who are dipping their toes in the game, there are a few things to consider when you make a bet.

Making adjustments in the pre flop

• It may not seem like a big deal, but apart from your opponent, you are playing the board. You have to play the blind every hand which makes perfect sense. It’s about adjusting and exploiting your opponent later on for example.

Being aware of the big and small blinds

• When playing, you need to know which button acts and when. A poker player in a ring game, for example, will want to have a big hand or the best possible hands, so it is all about being tactically astute with position.

PLAYING HEADS UP FEEL YOUR OPPONENT’S STYLE

For heads up, the importance of seeing how the other player is playing in the pre flop or during the flop can dictate your betting techniques, such as whether to raise or fold.

The latter stages will see the stakes rise with most hands, and ultimately, this will determine what you can win from the pot. If you can suss out your opponent, then you will be more likely to win.

IS THERE A PERFECT STRATEGY FOR HEADS UP POKER?

When it comes to winning, there is probably no such thing as the perfect strategy, but the following bits of advice will certainly bolster your chances of taking more from the pot.

3 betting

• To defend in the big blind, a poker player may need to resort to 3 betting. This strategy revolves around using a mix of premium and weaker suited or paired hands. Sometimes, it is good to 3 bet for value against an opponent.

The bluff

• A bluff shouldn’t be underestimated. The first few hands may decrease, but this strategy can lull players into a false sense of security when they raise.

HEADS UP PLAY TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME

We have outlined a couple of tips to help with your play for heads up.

Get a feel for your opponent

• This should be done when you first receive your hole cards. Try and anticipate what your opponent might do, such as draw an ace high and look for patterns in their play.

Remember positional advantage

• This is the essence of playing poker. It is about getting an edge and trying to get the best hand, as well as land high card hands.

HEADS UP POKER IN ONLINE POKER TOURNAMENTS

When you play heads up, expect edge-of-the-seat stuff, and this applies to online tournaments too.

You can expect sessions to be gruelling, and it is a great way to get experience with a variety of starting hands.

These poker tournaments will come in two types at online casinos – multi-table tournaments and Sit & Go’s.

CONCLUSION

Poker is a zero sum game, and this is something you will witness firsthand when you play heads up with only two players involved. It is fast, frenetic, and highly compelling.

There is no fail-proof strategy for one player, but it is worth advancing your skills, so you can win more games in the long term.