04-19-05, LearnTexasHoldem:

Blinds For Heads Up Tourney

Question: We have been playing heads up tournaments with a friend of mine for a few months because initially we wanted to find out who's the best player, but now (after 10 games) it seems we have different opinions how the blind structure should develop. We decided to play 15 games including 7 Stud, Texas and Omaha. The only limit game is 7 Stud (sometimes PL). Texas is NL and Omaha PL.

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We both get 2000 chips at the start and blinds go 2.5/5, 5/10, 10/20, 20/40 ... every 20 minutes all the way to 100/200. Now after several losses, my friend says it's no better than flipping a coin, because in the end the blinds are so big (usually 40/80) that blind stealing becomes more and more important and flop play is less important.

Now he is more "book-smart" whereas I enjoy mixing my game with big bluffs, blind stealing, slowplaying and long shot draws, which seem to irritate him. This usually leads to a situation where I lose significant portion of my chips early by trying to set the tone for the late game and try to put him in the mood where he would call my big hands later.

Now he thinks I win only because I get lucky. that's because on lower levels he always seems to be winning but as the blinds go up I'll catch up and in the end get them all.

He wanted to play with fixed blinds (like 10/20) but I think the blinds are not big enough compared to our initial stacks. We don't want to play limit games either. How should we set the blind structure and/or what is the best way to promote good poker while finding out the best player?

Thanks

-- VR

Answer: Actually, I think the way you have it now is fine since the blinds are moving up at 20 minute intervals. You could extend it out longer if you want, but I don't think it will make much difference. Another option would be to just cap the blinds at maybe 50/100 -- don't go any higher since there are only 4000 chips on the table.

The point of the blinds increasing is to force action. If your buddy isn't loosening up as the blinds get higher, you should consistently beat him. And I'm with you, having 10/20 blinds with 2000 chips would take too long. One way of putting to rest who is better is to let him set up the game however he likes. Then if you beat again, it is clear you have a strategy that he isn't capable of defending.

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