Heads-Up Common Mistakes to Avoid in Heads-up Texas Hold’em URL has been copied successfully! Being able to adjust your strategy based on tendencies and patterns is what separates players in heads-up battle Heads-up Texas Hold’em is one of the most intense formats in poker, where every hand matters and decisions carry more weight. Because it’s just two players going back and forth, the game demands sharper focus and strategy. Many players make the same mistakes in this setting, often without realizing how much it’s costing them. One of the most common errors is playing too passively from the big blind. In heads-up play, ranges widen, and folding too often gives the opponent free chips. It’s important to defend with a wider range and occasionally mix in aggression, even with hands that wouldn’t normally be strong in a full-ring game. Another frequent mistake is overvaluing hands like top pair. In heads-up play, top pair is good more often, but that doesn’t mean it’s always worth a big stack. Some players get married to one-pair hands and end up calling down in spots where they’re clearly beat. Understanding board texture and bet sizing can help avoid this trap. A lot of newer heads-up players also neglect position. Being in position gives you more information and allows you to control the pace. Ignoring this advantage by not raising frequently on the button, or playing too timidly out of position, is a leak that smart opponents will exploit. Over-bluffing or under-bluffing can also be an issue. Heads-up requires a balanced bluffing approach, and falling too far on either side will make your game predictable. Opponents will catch on quickly if your bluffs are always weak hands or if you never bluff at all.