Heads-up poker is one-on-one play between two players. It's the purest form of poker, emphasizing aggression, reads, and adjustment.
Heads-Up = Two players, maximum aggression, constant adjustment
| Aspect |
Full Ring |
Heads-Up |
| Hands played |
~15-20% |
~70-85% |
| Aggression |
Selective |
Constant |
| Position |
9 spots |
Only 2 (BTN/BB) |
| Folding |
Common |
Rare |
| Reads |
Matter less |
Critical |
| Position |
Advantage |
Strategy |
| Button (SB) |
Acts last postflop |
Play very wide, aggressive |
| Big Blind |
Forced to defend |
Defend wide, 3-bet often |
Open 70-85% of hands:
- All pairs
- All aces and kings
- Most suited hands
- Most broadway hands
- Many connected hands
| Action |
Frequency |
| Call |
40-50% of hands |
| 3-Bet |
15-25% of hands |
| Fold |
Only junk |
| Principle |
Why |
| Raise preflop |
Folding button is burning money |
| C-bet often |
They have air most of the time |
| Apply pressure |
Force tough decisions |
| If Opponent... |
You Should... |
| Folds too much |
Raise and c-bet more |
| Calls too much |
Value bet thin, bluff less |
| 3-bets too much |
Open tighter or 4-bet light |
| Check-raises a lot |
Bet smaller or check back |
| Mistake |
Problem |
| Playing too tight |
Bleeding blinds |
| Not adjusting |
Getting exploited |
| Over-bluffing |
Calling stations punish you |
| Under-bluffing |
Opponents fold every time |
| Hand |
Full Ring |
Heads-Up |
| Top pair |
Decent |
Monster |
| Second pair |
Marginal |
Strong |
| Ace-high |
Fold |
Often good enough |
Heads-up poker requires maximum aggression and constant adjustment. Play most hands, c-bet often, and watch your opponent closely. Whoever adjusts better wins.