Nothing tests the true skill of a player more than a heads-up poker tournament. Here, there are no other fish to pick on (unless your opponent is one), no playing to the left of weaker players, and no checking and calling just to survive to the next round. You are one-on-one with your opponent, and you must beat that person to move on. So, in the spirit of you beating your heads-up adversary, let’s look at some tips for how to do so.

Look at the starting chip stacks

Your early strategy, as well as your overall tournament strategy, should be based on how many chips you start out with. Most heads-up tournaments will give you a decent amount of chips, which will enable you to utilize a more conservative strategy. However, other tourneys give you a small starting stack and force you to play much more aggressively in the early going. In addition to starting chip stacks, also note how quickly the blind levels increase so you don’t get blinded out.

Loosen your starting hand requirements

Your starting hand requirements should be vastly different from what you’d use at a full table, or even a short-handed table. You are only matched against one player, and so you need to play a broad range of hands. Suited connectors, two face cards, any pair, and a single ace all warrant staying in the hand.

Trap aggressive players

As is the case in heads-up play, some people will become maniacs thinking they can get you to fold almost anything. If you’re playing against this kind of opponent, look for opportunities where you can trap them. Getting a straight or a flush on the turn provides an excellent chance to let an opponent bet into you before hitting them with a huge re-raise.

Make opponents pay to see cards

One huge mistake players make against a heads-up opponent is not making them pay to see cards. Even if you have a small pair, don’t be afraid to bet out and make your opponent call to what hits on the flop.

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