Heads Up
Rules Level · Beginner Aliases: one on one, HU
Heads up means only two players remain, either at the table or in the pot.
What is Heads Up
Heads up describes a contest between exactly two players, whether at a dedicated heads-up table or in a hand at a full table where only two saw the flop. With fewer opponents, the average hand strength needed drops, and position, initiative and adjustments to one specific player matter more than in multiway pots. Heads-up tables also use a different blind and action order: the button is also the small blind and acts first preflop, then the big blind acts first postflop. A heads-up pot that forms at a full table keeps the original seating order. Heads up does not mean playing every hand recklessly — ranges widen, but hand strength, sizing and the opponent’s strategy still decide.
On the felt
TableHeads-up tables and heads-up pots
PositionBTN/SB vs BB
FlopAll streets
ActionTwo players adjusting to position and wide ranges
Example
At a heads-up table the button is also the small blind and acts first preflop. Once the big blind calls, the big blind acts first on the flop — different from a six-handed table where the button and big blind happen to be last standing.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the button always acts last preflop heads up. At a heads-up table the button is the small blind and acts first before the flop.
- Thinking two players means any hand can play a big pot. Ranges widen, but position and relative strength still apply.
Related terms
Ante
An ante is a forced chip contribution made before each hand, by every player or by the big blind.
Blind
A blind is a forced bet posted before cards are dealt, by a designated position, to start the action.
Buy-in
A buy-in is the amount paid to join a game or tournament in exchange for starting chips.
Rake
Rake is the fee a card room takes from the pot or from tournament entries to run the game.
Showdown
A showdown is when the remaining players reveal their cards after the last bet to compare their best five.