ð HU Fundamentals
How HU Differs from Full Ring / 6-max
In HU, the BTN is also the SB â they post the small blind and act first preflop but last postflop. This creates a unique dynamic where the BTN/SB should open ~70%+ of hands and the BB should defend ~60%+ of the time.
| Metric | Full Ring | 6-max | Heads-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTN open range | ~50% | ~55% | ~70-75% |
| BB defense | ~35% | ~40% | ~55-65% |
| 3-bet frequency | ~6% | ~8% | ~15-20% |
| C-bet frequency | ~55% | ~65% | ~75-85% |
ð HU Preflop Strategy
- Open ~70-75%: Any two cards with reasonable equity â A-high, suited hands, any pair, most broadways, suited connectors down to 32s
- Min-raise is standard: 2BB open is optimal in HU â reduces risk and maximizes EV
- Never limp except as a trap: Limping with a weak range in HU is exploitable
- Open wider vs passive opponents: Against non-3bettors, open 80-85% of hands
- Tighten vs aggressive 3-bettors: Open hands you can profitably 4-bet or call with
- Defend ~60% vs min-raise: Pot odds are excellent â over-folding is a major leak in HU
- 3-bet or call: Mix 3-bets (value + linear bluffs) with calls
- Never over-fold weak hands: Even K3o, 75o have enough equity to call a min-raise in HU
- Adjust to opponent: If BTN opens 50% or less, tighten defense; if 80%+, defend very wide
- 3-bet frequently: 15-20% 3-bet frequency is standard in HU â much higher than full ring
- Linear 3-bet range: Value: QQ+, AK. Thin value: JJ, TT, AQs. Bluffs: A5s-A2s, suited broadways
- 4-bet range: KK+, AK for value; A5s, A4s as bluffs
- Defend vs 3-bets wider: Calling 3-bets with JJ, AQ is normal in HU
ðŊ HU Postflop Strategy
- C-bet 75-85%: High frequency c-bets with small sizing (33-40% pot) are optimal IP in HU
- Use small sizing: Small bets exploit opponent's wide, weak defending range
- Triple barrel with polarized range: Bluff with gutshots, backdoor draws; value with top pair+
- Probe bets on turn: If checked to on turn, bet frequently to maintain pressure
- Check-raise frequently: OOP as preflop caller, check-raise ~25-30% of c-bets on favorable boards
- Donk bet sometimes: On boards that strongly favor your defending range, donk bet for value/protection
- Float with any equity: Even gutshots and overcards are floats in HU â equity is high
- Fold less: Over-folding postflop in HU is exploitable â maintain pot odds awareness
âïļ HU Exploit Adjustments
| Opponent Tendency | Exploit |
|---|---|
| Folds too much preflop | Open 85%+ from BTN; steal relentlessly |
| Calls too wide preflop | Tighten open range; value-bet thinly postflop |
| 3-bets too often | Open tighter; 4-bet bluff back; call with strong equity |
| Folds to c-bets too often | C-bet 100%; barrel every street |
| Calls c-bets too wide | Reduce bluff cbets; value-bet thinner |
| Over-folds to turn bets | Double-barrel nearly always; third barrel selectively |