Tournament Poker Heads Up Strategy

Tournament Poker Heads Up Strategy

Heads up is a one-on-one poker game. One player is the big blind and the other is the small blind. The small blind is in the dealer's positions. The small blind gets to act first preflop and last postflop and onwards. The big blind, of course, is just the opposite.

There are many casual players in heads up games, so there is potential here to make some good money. Below are some tips to help you play better heads up tournament poker.

Aggression

Because you will be posting blinds all the time, you cannot afford to be picky with hands in heads up tournament poker. You have to play loose and aggressive. Raise to your opponent often to keep the pressure on them. At the same time, don't be predictably loose and try to change your playing hand preferences now and then to keep them guessing.

Values

Cards that are good in multi-way pots are not very serviceable in heads up. For example, suited connectors and low suited cards. The face value of the cards as individuals are what count.

Further, in heads up poker, you do not need big hands to win. Even middle pairs can get you the pot and a top pair is marvelous. This is why it does not pay to be a tight player in heads up.

Tells and Notes

Tells and notes are important in heads up. Make as many notes as you can about your opponent. Since it is just the two of you around, it is easier to observe and memorize their behavior. Note how they bet, what they raise with and when they are apt to fold. But do not forget that they could be watching you also, so change your style now and then to confuse them.

Position

Although the small blind is hated in normal table poker, in heads up games, it is the better position. This is because the small blind is the button in heads up and the last to act in every betting round save preflop. So just like late or button position in a normal full table, you can play looser when you are the small blind. For example, if you are thinking of limping even against poor odds, it might be worth it since you will have position for the rest of the hand. Be aggressive and raise 2-4 times the big blind when raising from the button. If you are the big blind, raise 3-5 times to discourage your opponent and make up for the poor position.