5 replies to this topic

[chach2046]

i was just wondering if anyone has any advise on "heads up" play. ive read all sorts of books dealing with short handed, but nothing that deals specifically with this topic. i find its where my game is most lacking. help!

[SBriand]

For the most part I play tight. But when it becomes heads up I change gears an play aggresive. My starting hand criteria gets larger when I get to heads up. I will play any Kx hand, most Qx and Jx hands. I also raise before the flop frequently to put pressure on the other player. Don't get me wrong though, if I am sitting there looking at 74 os I will gladly give up my small blind, but if I am holding Q9 os I will raise.It seems to work for me, I rarely ever come in second in tourneys, usually I go out in 3rd or come in first, (or don't place anywhere near the top ) But I am sure many others will give better advice so don't pay to much attention to me. I am still learing as well.

[gobears]

There's a small section in Sklansky and Malmuth's book - Hold-em Poker for Advanced Players - on Heads up Play.Basic theme is that you have to be aggressive - he actually gives sort of a table of starting hands that you would generally play.

[tekn0wledg]

Like gobears mentioned, I would check that section from Sklanksy and Malmuth.You obviously have to loosen up, otherwise the price of poker is way too large to justify sitting at the table [tournament and cash games]. So you have to loosen up and raise with hands that would otherwise be mediocre. The reason is you are only against one opponent. The chance that they hold an Ace-J over your Ace-10 is significantly decreased when heads up, whereas in a 9 or 10 person table it's much higher.

[skyinthesea]

Yes, most definitely loosen up. If the blinds are high enough, I would go all in with any pocket pair above 5's preflop if I'm small blind. If they call, it is most likely that they have Ax, Kx, or Qx, and you have at least a 5% advantage, 40% if one of their cards is lower than your pair. If they fold, you take his blinds. Heads up is more about luck, because the finishing hand will usually involve a lot of luck.

[pokerplayer75]

heads up I play the majority of my hands. But you really have to get a feel for your opponent. Being too aggresive against a person that will call all your bets will not work.