Heads up Poker - Cash vs. Tournament

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Josh1313 Nibs: 55,791 Member Since: Jan 3rd 2006

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Heads UP Poker!!

Cash Games:

Players will often find there table breaking up or might even sit down at a heads up table for a different look at poker.  It is important to be able to adapt your style of play from a full ring game to a heads up situation.

Playing heads up is really not that much different then playing vs. one opponent in a ring game, only real difference is the number of cards that are removed through other players and that you should be constantly getting information from only one other opponent.  This should be to your advantage as you should be able to pick up on more trends from that player.

You should be looking more closely at betting patterns, postions of those bets, preflop action and continuation bets.  Heads up poker is usually dominated by aggressive play or very trap like opponents.  Determine early on in the session which style your opponent is using more frequently and take advantage of it.

Remember that in cash games the blind doesn't increase so it is important that you be willing to bluff and risk some chips to pick up some pots.  Be willing to push your money in especially when you feel that you have the best of it.

Keys to Success:

1. Always raise the same amount preflop.  I would suggest 3x the bb.
2. Raise with a greater variety a hands - Increase your range as compared to when you play regular ring game
3. Be willing to call more hands out of the BB.  Also when in position against a raise and limp occasionally as well with really big hands when on the button or checking to your opponent to disguise the strength of your hand.
4. Utilize position and play more hands when you have the button by being more aggressive and putting the pressure on your opponent.
5. Controlled aggression is very important - Raise more then you call and take the lead on pots. The odds of your opponent actually making a pair on the flop are minimal so betting is usually the right play.  This willl also help you gain information on the strength of your opponents hands based on how they react.
6. Always sit with the max especially if your opponent is willing to sit short stacked.  Punish them for being weak.
7. The purpose of playing heads up is to "break" your opponent, you need to be confident in your play and be willing to put your chips in the middle to try and double up.  Never be afraid to lose your money!!

Tournament Play:

In order to win tournaments you will have to play heads up and it is important that you are able to do so successfuly.  Tournament play is quite different then regular heads up play because the limits will increase after a specific amount of time.  Because of this you will need to be more aggressive and be more willing to "gamble" especially as the blinds get very large.

Keys to success:

Short Stack (Less then half of opponents stack/less then 10 bb's) - Be aggressive when you are the short stack.  You need to be more willing to try and take pots down early on - ie. preflop and on the flop.  By constantly putting pressure on your opponent, this gives you more then one way to win the pot.  You should not be calling off chips to raises but should be looking for spots to get all your chips in for a chance to double up.  You must also be willing to push over the top of your opponent with some weaker hands to put them to a decision for all your chips.  This is important for two reasons, one they may not have that strong of hand and will fold to you anyways (be carefull if the amount you are reraising is still small and they are already pot committed), secondly you are the one being aggressive and even if they call it is less likely that they are holding one of your cards - might only be a 60/40 underdog.

Similar Chip Stack - Play with controlled aggression.  Look to put your opponent in positions which you will have them dominated.  Play better quality hands especially when raising.  At the same time you should be willing to fold on the button with weak hands becuase of your even chip levels.  Blinds will often be folded back and forth early on particularly as you feel each other out.  NO real pressure to put your money in with a marginal hand until the blinds start to escalate and warrant that type of play. Look for spots that you can take advantage of your opponent if they are continually showing weakness post flop.  Bets on the flop should be between 1/2 pot and 2/3 pot bets which is often enough to take the pot down or give you the information that you need.  I suggest keeping the pots smaller and looking to win more pots especially if you feel you are better then your opponent.  A weaker opponent will be looking to play bigger pots, by pushing the chips in and looking to get lucky.

Chip Leader - Maintain your aggression but you need to be more selective in the hands that you choose to play.  Look for good situations to call your opponents all in - pots odds, strong hand or big draws.  When you have a big hand look to punish your opponent they will be more willing to go all in with there short stack if they fold you are still increasing your lead.  Trapping can be dangerous preflop because they may not have enough chips for you to fold post flop if they move all in and at that point you will not necessarily know where you are at.  Patience is important at this stage because doubling up your opponent with a weak hand just because you want to win isnt the best logic when you have the chips and the advantage to look for a better spot to take out your opponent.  Play with controlled aggression and not reckless abandon, the pressure is on your opponent to double up, not YOU!!

Whether you are playing heads up in a cash game or in a tournament it is  important to be aggressive and putting the pressure on your opponent to make good decisions!! Play smart and enjoy the game!!

Comments (3)

Posted on Jul 4th 2008 by PI_Viceroid Man can you please write more advice about playing heads-up and what kind of cards should people actually use for raise, or call raises from BB. Ty. You are awesome :D

Posted on Jul 4th 2008 by Josh1313 Yes I will do another blog on heads up play and cards to play in different situations!!

Posted on Jul 4th 2008 by Dingus That Dingus guy wrote a pretty good post last month on HU play as well. Oh how quickly you forget Viceroid, lol. Nice job Josh, I'm sure the next one will be even better. Keep it up, I'm looking to pass my crown to a worthy victor.