Basic Heads Up Texas Hold em Strategy

You can learn as much no limit Texas Hold em strategy as you like, but nothing fully prepares you for playing heads up Poker. The fact that you only have to worry about one opponent means that you are not going to be able to rely on basic Hold em strategy and mathematics to carry you through, as you now need to be able to outsmart your opponent to walk away from the table as the winner at the end of the day.

Even if you do not regularly play heads up Texas Hold em cash games, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the style of play, so that you can take the experience and use it to improve your overall game. Furthermore, if you are a tournament player, you should brush up on your heads up poker game as you will need it if you intend on finishing first more times than you finish second.

Overview of Heads up Poker

Heads up Poker is quite a different beast when compared to the 6 seater or full ring Texas Hold em games, so be prepared to take a different approach to the table and work with a whole new game plan to be able to win money.

Money can travel very quickly in a heads up poker game, so try not to get emotionally involved. It is a lot easier to go on tilt and throw your money around carelessly, which means that it is not an ideal game for you if you get easily frustrated. There are a number of Texas Hold em Poker rooms that offer heads up Poker, so there is no excuse for you to not at least try the game. If you play golf, you know that for the average gofler the key to improve your score is not about how hard you can hit the ball with your driver. The secret is in improving your short game. Think of heads as putting. If you can putt right, you'll significantly improve your performance quickly. If you can play heads up poker right, you'll significantly improve your winnings.

The blinds and Table Position

As you may have noticed if you have played heads up Texas Hold em before, the button is the small blind and the other player becomes the big blind, which is the reverse of what you might have initially expected. This structure is in place to prevent the button from having too big of an advantage after each deal, so don't be shocked to find yourself acting first when you are on the button.

In spite of this, from the flop onwards you will act after your opponents when on the button, which means that the button retains a lot of its strength. Therefore you should try and play more hands on the button than when you are in the big blind.

Starting Hand Requirements

Because there are only two players at the table, it means that there is no time to sit back and wait for premium hands. By the time you get a hand you want to play with, you will have lost a lot of money to the blinds and your opponent will be aware that you have a strong holding due to your tight image, so be prepared to open up your starting hand range significantly.

It's hard to play what would normally be considered as marginal hands when you first start out, but as you continue to play heads up Texas Hold em you will start to feel more comfortable opening up your starting hand range.

Raise Frequently When on the Button

The button is still the best seat in the hand, so make the most of it. Raising on the button is much better than simply calling to see the flop, as it puts your opponent to a touch decision and gives you the upper hand in the game. Your opponent will be the first to act from the flop onwards, and so the more money you can force your opponent to put in the pot the better, as you have the best opportunity to win the hand with your superior position.

You will get re-raised from time to time, but just let the hand go and don't be afraid to raise on the button in the future. I can guarantee that your opponent will not enjoy the fact that their big blind is getting raised at every opportunity, as they know it is making life difficult for them. Always try and remember that aggression is key to winning money from no limit Texas Hold em.

Play the Player

Having a strong understanding of your opponent is going to play a huge role in the success of your heads up Poker game. Having good cards helps, but knowing what makes your opponent tick allows you to make the most profitable plays by outsmarting your opponent, regardless of whether or not you have the best hand. It is a lot easier said than done, but try your best to get into the mind of your opponent in every heads up game you play, as it will definitely help you to get the most from your heads up poker sessions. Practice makes perfect... almost. Good luck!