Heads up poker—where only two players battle for chips—is the ultimate test of skill, aggression, and adaptability. Unlike full-ring or even 6-max tables, every decision in heads up poker is magnified. One wrong move can cost you the entire match.
To consistently win in this high-pressure format, it’s not only about what you do right—but also about what you avoid doing wrong. This article highlights the most common mistakes players make in heads up poker and how to correct them for long-term success.
Mistake 1: Playing Too Passively
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is not being aggressive enough. In heads up play, blinds come around faster, and you’re dealt weaker hands more often—so waiting for premium hands is a losing strategy.
Fix:
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Open-raise with a wide range from the button (around 70–80% of hands)
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Apply pressure with continuation bets and position-based aggression
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Don’t be afraid to value bet thinly when you’re ahead
Mistake 2: Overvaluing Marginal Hands
Hands like top pair with a weak kicker or second pair can be deceptive in heads up games. Many players overplay these hands and find themselves out-kicked or drawing dead.
Fix:
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Always consider your opponent’s tendencies—are they passive or aggressive?
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Slow down with marginal hands when facing resistance
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Learn to fold even seemingly good hands when the betting pattern suggests trouble
Mistake 3: Not Adapting to Opponent Styles
Heads up poker demands constant adaptation. Playing the same strategy against every opponent leads to predictable outcomes—and usually, losses.
Fix:
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Against tight opponents: bluff more, steal blinds often, and force action
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Against loose-aggressive players: trap with strong hands and induce bluffs
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Adjust your bet sizing, opening range, and frequency based on real-time reads
Mistake 4: Ignoring Position
In heads up play, position is everything. The player on the button acts last post-flop and has a significant advantage. Some players fail to leverage this and miss profitable opportunities.
Fix:
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Play more hands from the button and apply pressure when in position
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Defend your big blind smartly but conservatively
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Make disciplined folds out of position when facing aggression
Mistake 5: Becoming Emotionally Tilted
With only two players, heads up can feel personal. Losing consecutive pots or being bluffed can trigger emotional tilt, leading to careless mistakes.
Fix:
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Detach emotionally from results—focus on making good decisions
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Take short breaks if frustration builds
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Practice mindfulness or breathing techniques to stay calm during swings
Mistake 6: Poor Bet Sizing
Inconsistent or inappropriate bet sizing is a leak in many players’ games. Betting too small can offer the opponent good pot odds, while betting too big can scare them away from marginal calls.
Fix:
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Use consistent pre-flop sizing (e.g., 2.5x–3x from the button)
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Vary post-flop sizing based on board texture and hand strength
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Bluff with similar sizing to your value bets to remain balanced
Mistake 7: Not Practicing Heads Up-Specific Play
Many players jump into heads up matches without studying or training for the unique dynamics of this format. As a result, they use full-ring strategies that don’t apply.
Fix:
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Watch heads up training videos, hand reviews, and streams
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Play heads up Sit & Gos or one-on-one cash sessions
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Use hand history analysis to refine your approach
FAQ
1. How wide should I open in heads up matches?
From the button (small blind), you should be opening around 70–80% of hands. This includes most pairs, broadways, suited connectors, and many suited or offsuit A-x/K-x hands.
2. Is it okay to bluff more in heads up?
Yes. Since hand ranges are wider and players miss flops more often, bluffing is a core component of heads up play. Just make sure your bluffs tell a consistent story.
3. How do I know when to tighten up?
Tighten up if your opponent is highly aggressive and starts punishing your loose opens. Also, scale back when out of position, or when your opponent adjusts and begins countering your wide range effectively.