Heads Up Strategy

Heads up poker is entirely different from the regular poker

. Usually all the heads up poker games take place online as it is too difficult for the live poker games to manage it all (dealers, table space etc). If you plan to play heads up, then read the tips below before you start. The heads up strategy is very different from the normal poker strategy. It is important that you learn the different approach one must take when playing this style of game so that you have an edge over your opponent.

Be Aggressive

There are only two players in each hand. It is likely that your opponent has cards better than you 50% of the time. So be aggressive. Try to make as many bets as possible to steal the pots, and increase your chip stack. Timid tight play will leave your stack short and have you playing from behind. Take control of the game early.

Avoid tilt at the table

Dont get into any conversations while playing heads up holdem. Some players like to talk a lot of nonsense as a part of the heads up strategy. A player who doesnt have enough self confidence or self control will take a bad beat and may lose his or her composure. Just keep a level head and let your opponent talk whatever he wants to. Also, if you respond you will give your opponent the upper hand by showing them your personality. Did you respond with intelligent insight? Well, that might change his approach and allow him to get a better read on you through out the game.

Play your position

Either you are in a good position or you are in the worst position. Try to play every hand in dealer position. Be conservative about playing big blind and when your dealer raises the bet, respect it. Playing your position in heads up poker does not have the same impact as playing your position in a full ring game. Hand values significantly decrease in heads up hold em. You will want to play approximately 65-85% of your hands in heads up poker.

Spot bluff

If your opponent is aggressive, you have to prevent him from continuous semi-bluffs or any preflop raises. Even if you dont have a great pair, you will have to fight back by playing some decent hands hard to help prevent your opponent from stealing chips.

Judge your opponent

You need to judge your opponent. For that you can test waters by raising and becoming an aggressor. If your opponent is a passive player, the game is yours. However, if he is an aggressive player, you need to use some discretion.

Stack size matters

If your chip stack size is big, you can be more aggressive and your opponent would like to fold more often as he will be waiting for a big hand. Remember that though you would like to keep the pressure on him, never go overboard as you may end up with a short stack.

Trapping your opponent

When your opponent feels that you are not being honest, that is the time to trap him. When you are up against an aggressive player who just likes to run you over with bets, just sit back and watch. Let him do all the betting and get back to him with raises when you have a great hand. As such when you have nothing you can just fold.

Know when to get out of there

Often people keep playing until they are down to the river or turn. However, if you know that your opponent isnt bluffing, the best heads up strategy is to drop your hand. If the pots become larger it becomes difficult to fold at critical points.

by: Will Clark

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