Quote:
Originally Posted by Fermion i think heads up is more about recognizing patterns. |
I think you are exactly correct. Because heads-up play gives a high percentage of hands per hour, you will see your opponent slip into a certain pattern, whether it is how or when they bet, raise, or fold. You will also fall into certain patterns as well.
Frankly, I don't consider heads-up play necessarily "bluffing." I view it as taking pots that you know for certain you can. I'm sure most poker players have heard this statement, but it applies more to heads-up than anything: you aren't playing the cards, you are playing your opponent.
I have played a lot of HU SNGs, and just recently, I have been playing 1-on-1 limit holdem ring tables. While these two are very different as one is no limit, the other is fixed, and one is tournament style while the other is cash, they have basically the same strategies. You need to realize when your opponent is trying to steal hands. If you have absolutely nothing, let him take it. Just wait until you get a hand when he is stealing, and bust him on it. At the same time, you need to know what pots you can take down, whether you have a hand or not. You also need to mix up your play so that he won't know when you do and don't have hands.