Key Strategies to play Heads-up Texas Hold’em
It is common knowledge that poker is a game of choice, fueled with options so many that each has his own favourite version to play from. The many variations of poker add layers to its element of fun, which allows for more people to try different game types before perfecting the one they like the most. Playing a heads up game in Texas Hold’em poker is a similar case of one game being played in a number of ways.
Texas Hold’em as we know it is the most popular form of poker played from around the world. We have heard of the formats of this game such as No-Limit, Limit and Pot-Limit Hold’em then what exactly is the heads up game in Texas Hold’em poker? Well, the answer is rather simple. Heads-up Hold’em refers to a type of poker game where competitors do not gamble against each other. Instead, their quest is to outsmart the dealer and thus, win the pot.
Texas Hold’em Vs. Heads-up Hold’em
Texas Hold’em heads up rules are not very different from the regular game you play every now and then. It is played with the standard 52-card French deck which means that poker hands and other strategies remain the same as regular Hold’em. The only different aspect in heads-up Hold’em would be the psychology in your approach. Since play is one-on-one, you have the freedom to go more aggressive than you usually would, especially towards the end of the game. However, at the start, it is recommended not to raise and call as much. It would be best if you analyzed the table, see what moves others are making, and then decide for yourself. Talking about the flop itself, high cards are said to be your best bet as pairs aren’t common to make. So, technically speaking, Texas Hold’em heads up rules are essentially the same as regular Hold’em; it is only the mindset that needs to be shuffled.
Strategies in playing Heads-up Hold’em
Training yourself for heads-up poker will help you in the long run when you wish to play other poker variants. While the game structure is what you are used to playing, the level of aggression is what differs at the table. The No-Limit heads-up Hold’em especially follows a loose-aggressive strategy, and that is what you will need to build on in order to win the pot. Tight aggression is not affordable as players have their money invested in every pot. With that being said, here are some tips for you to apply in specific stages during your next heads-up Hold’em game.
- Pre-flop
While on the button, you should get by using any two hole card combinations. This gives you the chance to take a position after the flop, which helps use weaker cards and still gain an advantage over your competitors. You can force your opposition to fold during the pre-flop by raising weaker hands with confidence. You can make small raises in the big blind position but only if you possess suited cards or better of such combinations. You must play tight if you are out of position, and your competitor raises with a much higher amount.
- Flop
The flop brings you an opportunity to steal money away from your opponent if you understand their playing style. Not just that, you could always go for making probe bets to find out whether the flop has given your opponent the upper hand. If you are dealt with a bottom pair or a weak draw, you can conveniently make your opponent fold by making a raise. However, if things go the other way around and your opponent makes a raise with you holding weaker hands, then it is better to fold. In case you own a strong hand, go for the bet and feel free to re-raise as well.
- Turn
Things tend to get tricky at the turn. If you had your raise called, then it is advisable to either check or fold your hands in case your opposition goes for a re-raise. Similarly, if your opponent continues to make raises after betting on both, the pre-flop and flop rounds, then you might want to fold your cards if you hold a medium hand. Your opponent can fold the turn if you make a continuation bet while being in position, so keep that in mind. Also, remember that you shouldn’t check, or your opponent will raise in such a situation.
- River
The most important stage in a poker game, the river is where all things you have done so far give you a result as the showdown is all that awaits between you and the pot. You should consider folding if your opponent makes big bets frequently and you hold a medium hand. However, if he makes small bets, you should not delay in calling him. You can re-raise and keep your rival in suspicion of the strength of your hole cards if at all you miss the draw and your opponent decides to check.
Learning how to play all these different poker variants could get a bit overwhelming at times. But that is the least of your worries as Spartan Poker has taken care of all your poker needs. We teach you new aspects of the game and solve your doubts in the easiest way possible through our blogs and the informational articles we have on our official website. If you seek to practice, you can always enroll for one of our freeroll tournaments where you put nothing on the line and still stand a chance to win the pot. You won’t even have to look for a single Texas Hold’em poker download device as the Spartan Poker app acts as an all-inclusive poker hub to get you started with your safe and successful poker journey.
