Limit Hold'em Heads Up Strategy

Fixed Limit Holdem Heads-Up poker games are an increasingly popular and profitable form of the poker game. Many players new to this form of poker make basic errors which can quickly lose money. This article looks at the critical factors involved in fixed limit heads-up poker strategy and suggests ways in which you can profit from your opponent’s weaknesses.

We will start by looking at the relative strength of starting hands in fixed limit heads up poker games, discussing why these differ from full table games. Next the greater importance of position is covered. Finally we look at how to judge the tendencies of your heads-up opponent and some of the adjustments you should make to profit from these.

Relative Hand Strength

The fact that you have only a single opponent makes it obvious that you should adjust your starting hand requirements downwards. However many players are uncomfortable playing heads up with holdings such as small pairs and weak aces. Understanding why these hands go up in value heads up requires comparing our situation with that at a full table.

Using the weak ace as an example, at a full table the reason these hands are unprofitable in fixed limit is that we never know where we stand after the flop. With Ace-Seven then hitting the ace leaves us vulnerable to an opponent with a higher kicker, and hitting the seven means someone with an over-pair could have us beaten.

In heads-up fixed limit these issues largely disappear – we do not need to commit several bets before deciding we are beaten. Hitting the ace heads-up becomes a monster holding, and mid-pair is a more than worthy candidate for value betting all the way to the end.

Position is Key

Position is important in any form of poker. In fixed limit heads-up cash games this is more important still. Again we will compare the situation to a full table. Position has the advantage with 9 opponents that we will make the most on our good hands and lose the least when behind. At the end of the hand the best holding still wins the showdown, your advantage comes in saving or making those few extra bets.

When heads-up we are sure of position relative to our opponent for the whole hand. There is no danger of being ‘sandwiched’ between the pre-flop raiser and a number of other players in the pot. Since our opponent will miss most flops the dealer button gives us the added advantage of being able to steal.

This is such a bonus that any fixed limit heads-up player who plays the majority of hands out of position will lose over time. A key strategy adjustment is to raise consistently from the small blind / dealer button position.

Opponent Types

There are many types of opponent you will meet heads-up in fixed limit Holdem games. Here we will look at some of the extremes and how to adjust to them. The first common opponent type will call too often, particularly out of position. If you meet such a ‘calling station’ then value bet far more often (3rd pair becomes a candidate!) but bluff (even from position) less. You’ll get many free cards and should be less inclined to semi-bluff with your drawing hands against these opponent types.

Overly aggressive fixed limit opponents can be tricky to deal with heads-up. The first question to ask is whether they are aggressive from position or regardless of this. If an opponent is consistently aggressive from position you will need to allow them to build the pot when you do get a strong hand.

Check-calling the flop with the intention of check-raising on the turn is an example of how to win an extra bet. Re-raising early in the hand can also slow down an aggressive opponent – if you do this with a draw you will be in a great position to get a free river card when in position.

To summarize, the edge that you will achieve from heads-up fixed limit games is that of understanding the shift in starting hand values, the importance of position going up and adjusting your play to exploit the weaknesses of your opponent.

If you're looking for NLH Heads Up Strategy, read this article: No Limit Hold'em Heads Up Strategy

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