How do you play Heads-Up poker?

Two players at the table. The Button posts the Small Blind and acts first preflop, last postflop. Other rules are identical to Texas Hold'em. The format is fast, aggressive, and requires a lot of bluffing.

Why does the Button open 70% of hands in HU?

Because there are no more 8 players behind. There's only BB. In position with an advantage after the flop, almost any hand with potential is profitable to open.

Is HU suitable for beginners?

No. HU amplifies mistakes. It's recommended to first learn 6-max and move to HU only after a good understanding of ranges, C-Bet, and pot odds.

How do you beat a strong HU player?

Very hard. If the opponent is a pro, consider quitting. If not — try to simplify: bluff less, call only with real hands, and let them make mistakes.

Heads-Up Poker (HU) — 1 on 1

Heads-Up (HU) is the clearest, most aggressive, and most professional format of poker. Two players, and every decision has enormous meaning. There's no "waiting for a hand" — every hand is an opportunity. In this guide you'll learn the rules, adjusted ranges, how to leverage aggression, and how to spot opponent patterns within a few hands.

The rules and how HU differs from 6-max and Full Ring
Extremely wide opening ranges — 70%+
Aggression, C-Bet, and bluffing as a core strategy
How to play HU on ClubGG Israel

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How Blinds Work in HU

The most important change: the Button posts the Small Blind and acts first preflop, last postflop. The BB acts last preflop, first postflop. This is the opposite of 6-max/9-max.

What does this mean? The Button is an aggressive position. It opens 70%+ of hands — anything with potential.

Recommended Opening Ranges

Button (SB): Raise 70-85% of hands. Fold only truly weak hands: 72o, 62o, 52o.
Big Blind vs Open: 3-Bet ~15-20%, Call ~40%, Fold ~40%.
vs Limper: Iso-Raise very wide — 40%+ of hands.

Strategy: Aggression Is Everything

High C-Bet: In HU the opponent misses the flop ~65% of the time. Small C-Bet (33% of the pot) on many boards prints money.
Double Barrel: If the C-Bet worked and the turn card continues the story — keep firing.
Range Betting: On boards good for your range, you can bet your entire range.
Adjust fast: If the opponent calls light — stop bluffing. If they fold light — bluff more.

Reading Your Opponent Within 20 Hands

Calls a lot preflop? Value bet wide, less bluffing.
Folds a lot to C-Bet? C-Bet 100% on dry, unconnected boards.
Aggressive back? Trap with strong hands, fold marginal hands that don\'t feel right.

Where to Play HU

On ClubGG Israel there are active HU tables and Sit&Go in HU format across many buy-ins. Join the club and get matched with players of your level — HU is the most profitable format for a strong player.

Main guide: Poker Strategy

Heads-Up Poker (HU) — 1 on 1

How Blinds Work in HU

Recommended Opening Ranges

Strategy: Aggression Is Everything

Reading Your Opponent Within 20 Hands

Where to Play HU

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