Sorry if this is the wrong spot to post.

Can anybody tell me the official rule for order of play HU? This is often debated in my home game. I think the SB acts first preflop and last on all other betting rounds, but not everyone agrees. There are supporters of every possible combination, so obviously none of us really knows for sure. Even from playing SNG's online I know that this situation is not always treated the same (the other being that the SB acts first every betting round). Where can I find the official rule so that I have evidence to end this debate once and for all?

Thanks in advance!

in tournaments the standard is for SB (Button) to act first Pre-Flop and Last on all subsequent rounds.

I can't quote a rule..but that's the standard.

With heads up, the small blind is on the button and acts first preflop, but then acts second all other rounds. Just watch one on one tournies or cash games at any poker site to prove this to your friend

Thanks Actuary - that's what I thought and I'm glad to hear you agree, but something more official as proof would be helpful. Anyone?

Actually, I hear Party in Cash Games has SB act first on every round.

Again, this is my experience as well. I've played a lot HU and everyone watches poker on TV, but for some reason there is still debate and confusion. I agree with SB acting first preflop and second on all other betting rounds. Most of you guys know your shit and I'm confident that this is the right answer, but I need proof to put this to bed.

Thats true, but party sucks.

That's true about party. But don't play there. The rake absolutely kills unless you're at very high limits. I played a bitterness HU match against an idiot. We played 1/2, each bought in for $50. After only 1/2 hour, we each cashed out with $40. Yeah.

LOL.

I had no idea the rake was that ridiculous at 1/2.

Yeah. After all, at 1/2, it's taking $.50/hand, meaning $20 in only 40 hands...

Sorry, i meant to say that you shouldn't play party HU. The rest is fine.

PokerStars cash games SB acts first the whole way through.

no, it doesn't. not at a *heads-up* table.

aseem

Kinda depends on the site really. Some will have the sb first to act on the button, which means they act firts pre-flop and have the button on the latter streets.

Other sites will have the opposite where the sb must act first and doesn't have the button. You have to adjust your play accordingly depending on how the site sets up the blinds for headsup play, because it does make a difference. You obviously need to fold a lot more when your in the sb and out of position for the entire hand.

I thought we'd get some professional dealer on here to straighten this out with his official rule #47.b.II or something like that.

I did find something that should do the trick. www.homepokertourney.com pg.5 "when only two players remain" #3 states "The small blind shall act first on the first betting round and last on all other rounds". It may not be official, but at least it's documented.

On a side note I think it's retarded that not even all the online sites treat this situation the same way. IMO having to act first on every betting round is a huge disadvantage, especially considering that by the time you are heads up the blinds are sometimes big enough to make a significant impact on a single hand.

i'm speculating that in Tourneys, all sites handle it the same..i may be wrong.