Heads-up poker: how to play one-on-one

Heads-up means only two players are in the game, for example at the end of a tournament or in a heads-up Sit & Go. Hand values change a lot: with only one opponent, almost any ace, any pair and most kings are strong. The winner is usually the more aggressive player.

Heads-up rules

The button posts the small blind, the other player posts the big blind.
Preflop the button (small blind) acts first.
After the flop the button acts last, so the button has position.

Hand strength one-on-one

Hand	Full table	Heads-up
A-7 offsuit	Often a fold	Strong raise
K-9 offsuit	Weak	Good raise
5-5	Set-mining hand	Strong, often ahead
Q-8 suited	Marginal	Playable raise

Against one random hand, an average starting hand wins about half the time, so you can play many more hands.

Strategy tips

Raise most hands on the button. Folding the small blind too often gives away chips.
Defend the big blind wide; see big blind defence.
Bet often after the flop: most of the time neither player hits.
Value bet thinner: top pair, even middle pair, is often good. See value betting.
With short stacks, use push/fold ranges: they are very wide heads-up.

At the end of a tournament

When it’s heads-up for the title, the biggest jump in prize money is often between 2nd and 1st. Consider a deal if the room allows it. See tournament payouts.

FAQ

Who acts first heads-up in poker?

Preflop the button (small blind) acts first; after the flop the big blind acts first.

Who posts the small blind heads-up?

The player on the button.

Which hands are strong heads-up?

Almost any ace, any pair and most kings; many more hands than at a full table.

What is the key to winning heads-up?

Aggression: raise often on the button, defend the big blind and bet after the flop.