Learn Texas Holdem

Heads up poker used to be something of a rarity. Poker is designed for play by multiple opponents and the occasion for heads up play did not occur that often in the past. In addition, casinos rarely spread heads up games as they required a dealer and table which could otherwise be used to accommodate many more players.

As the popularity of tournaments grew, so did the heads up opportunities, as no tournament could be won without a heads up confrontation (unless a deal was made that ended the tournament immediately). Furthermore, with the advent of online play, players wishing for heads up action could be easily accommodated, as no live dealer or table was required. Now heads up poker is a firm part of the poker landscape and there are even heads up poker tournaments.

How to Play Heads Up Poker

Learning to play heads up poker is simple if you have any experience with regular poker. In fact, it will help to think of heads up poker as just full ring poker with fewer players. However there are a few subtle differences.

Rules Differences in Heads Up Poker

Heads up play typically takes place using a no limit Texas hold'em format. Games that are generally played limit or pot limit such as stud or Omaha don't lend themselves as well to heads up play although playing with these formats is certainly possible. The major difference between a heads up Texas hold'em game and a full game is that in heads up, the small blind is on the button, meaning the small blind acts first before the flop and last in subsequent rounds, as opposed to next to last before the flop and first after as in a full game.

Beyond this, play proceeds normally. Traditionally, heads up matches start with both players having an equal amount of chips. In a tournament-style arrangement players would then play until one player had all the chips. In a cash heads up game, players can start with different chip amounts if they choose and can rebuy as many times as they want until one player wants to quit.

Basic Heads Up Poker Strategy

Clearly, waiting for premium hands is not an option in pre-flop play. In every hand you start out invested so you must fight for nearly every pot. Heads up play is not for the tight, passive player. Commit to being aggressive and not dependent on getting good cards and you will give yourself the best chance to win.