Hello,

I am playing in a heads up tournament on Saturday. I have played Holdem for several years, and the one area of my game that I don't have much faith in is Heads Up. Can anyone offer any suggestions on basic Heads Up strategy, in a tournament environment? It seems that this type of tournament is getting more popular and I want to go in armed with as many weapons as possible. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Bill

play a lot of hands and be aggressive

Play aggressive through out and change gears if need be.

The best way to know what works for you is to have experience.

Thanks,

I am normally a conservative player, so maybe being agressive will throw the guys I am playing off enough to be afraid I might have a decent hand if I am bluffing.

What types of hands would you consider the must lay downs in a heads up game before the flop?

You have to come out betting way more than you would in normal ring games and tournaments. You are playing in a situation that dictates over the long run, 50% of your hands will be better than theirs.

Therefore, you have to come out firing on anything that is decent or you will get run over. I lost alot of money coming down to 1 on 1 play in S n' G tourneys before I figured that out.

I can't remember who's book I read but they basically said any time you are the SB and you want to play your hand heads up you have to bet. You should only check with good hands in situations where you think inducing your opponent to bet will benefit.

What types of hands would you consider the must lay downs in a heads up game before the flop?

On the button, not many. Out of position, I'll generally fold the absolute bottom rung of hands to a raise. 4, 5 gap unsuited low cards. But there are no rules. You should re-raise with these hands occasionally.

pick up the small pots by being agressive. go for some bluffs in medium sized pots. know that your opponent will try to bluff you out of good sized pots. change the way you play in similar situations.

Thanks to everyone that posted advice. I ended up winning the tournament by being really agressive and getting a little lucky as well. I ended up with Quads in two of the knockout hands.