Selected Poker Rooms
For all our online poker amateur readers out there we shall explain that 'heads-up' play refers to the 'one-on-one' game format. Simply put, it is just you against one single opponent. Although it may initially sound pretty simple, because you may think 'hey, I have only one other player to beat,' mastering this gaming format is actually not so easy. 'Heads-up' play involves its own unique strategic moves and tactics. And, if you typically participate in different offline or online poker tournaments, whether online or offline (live), 'heads up' play becomes simply inevitable. So, how do you play 'heads-up' and what efficient winning strategies you should apply?
Smart Hand Selection
When you play 'heads-up,' you need to select your starting hands very carefully. If you choose to play with hands that are relatively weak and hopeless from the very beginning, there is a great chance that Lady Luck will give you the cold shoulder. Why? Because playing heads-up with a lousy hand is like suicide, painful and pointless. Your opponent is very likely to run you over, nab the pot and laugh at you all the way to the bank with your money!
Aggressive play
Many experienced poker players consider aggressive play the best strategy to apply when playing 'heads-up.' The main reason behind such common thinking is that, in 'heads-up' you need to make your opponent fold regardless of your or his hand value. If you succeed in convincing him that you have a really strong hand (or at least a hand stronger than his), you are already half way there. As you can see for yourself, the bluffing factor is of utmost importance. Good bluffing skills are very handy in any poker variant, but when it comes to heads-up they are particularly efficient.
Hand reading
Try to figure out what your opponent is holding. First, it will be much easier for you to bluff in the right direction. Meaning, if you have even the slightest idea regarding what your opponent has in the pocket, it would enable you to recognize his weaknesses (if there are any and play accordingly). Pay close attention to how frequently he check-raises, does he typically bet low pair, does he tend to bet draws. Usually you will not be able to read him throughly based on one single action, so it is possible that you would be forced to raise or call on the flop and see the turn to figure out what is actually going on. You will ultimately have to make an educated guess regarding your opponent's hole cards and make a move that suits best your gaming strategy.
Folding when you lose all hope
This is indeed a universal tip that is applicable to all poker variants and to all tournament types, Internet and land-based alike. It is crucial that you acknowledge when it is the right time to fold. It is better to save your bankroll for another more fortunate game, than stay in the hand until the very end and realize that you've squandered your money for no good reason. Remember, we do not recommend folding without giving a decent fight, what we preach for is smart and proficient play!
There are, of course, more detailed explanations on how you should behave at a 'heads-up' table, but we believe that your basic poker skills plus our general instructions will give you a certain advantage over your opponent. Mastering the one-on-one game is a very valuable poker skill for any player who aspires to find himself battling for the jackpot against gaming industry's most prominent titans at the most prestigious live and online poker tournaments!