Marcus Bateman / Marcus Bateman / 05 May 2009 / 2 Comments

With the ever expanding popularity of heads up games, many of the best spots to play in are now one on one games. Weak players seem to be attracted to these games because the variance is extremely high, which means it gives them a realistic shot at making a big score through that massive double up.

Mr. Moss, I have to let you go." - Nick the Greek, after playing a five month long poker match against the legendary Johnny Moss where he reputably lost close to one million dollars

The reality is that these players will always lose over the long run, because they are not only weak in the actual game, but also because they do not adhere to adequate bankroll management standards and the variance will bust them over and over again. As a result, some of the best tables to sit at are heads up tables - you only need to encounter one or two of these players to expect a large profit over a session.

However, there are still a great many very skilled heads up specialists. These players are usually extremely easy to spot after a short period, as they will be playing a pretty optimum number of hands and really using position to maximum effect. It is extremely easy to let your ego take over in these sort of situations, and to sit having a long and grueling match against someone who is obviously extremely skilled.

This is hardly ever a good idea though, and mostly you will be wasting your time paying any other skilled heads up player as you simply have a substantially smaller edge than you would if you just sat in a few other games and waited for a fish.

Sometimes in poker the best move is to just wait for a better game. No matter how confident you feel about your playing ability, the reality is that on any particular day there are probably quite a few players who will be playing better than you, and avoiding them is as much a skill as learning to spot and take advantage of weakness.

Always remember that letting someone go can often be as infuriating to them as making a big fold or great call. If they feel they have an an edge over you and you quit, you will not only probably save yourself a lot of money, but you will also torment your opponent no end.

Choosing Between The Games
Heads Up Sit and Go - The Nature of the Beast
Passing Up Small Edges
Heads Up Sit and Goes: Balance
Rope a Dope
Adapting Your Play In Heads Up

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