Heads-Up Playing With Minimal Risk in Texas Hold’em Heads-up Situations URL has been copied successfully! Success in heads-up Texas Hold’em is about decisions that give you the most opportunity to capitalize Playing with less risk in Texas Hold’em in heads-up games requires the delicate balance of being aggressive and cautious. Since there are only two players at the table, hand values shift, and strategies that work in full-ring games do not always prove effective. Instead of sitting back and waiting for big hands, players often need to employ more position, timing, and reading their opponent. Position is the most important component of heads-up play. Playing from the button is playing last post-flop, and that’s a sure advantage. You are able to control the pace of the hand and make more informed decisions. In trying to minimize risk, it’s advisable to play more hands from the button but tighter play from the big blind. Out of position, play only those hands with great post-flop potential or premium high-card equity. Another low-risk heads-up secret is not playing big pots with a bad hand. It’s easy to get into betting wars, but without a good read or a solid hand, playing small pots can save your chip stack. Instead of playing big bluffs, play small bets that create pressure without risking much. This gets your opponent to make a move while you stay in control. The watch for your adversary is even more important when the two of you are alone. Try to be aware of betting patterns, hesitance, or switching to a pattern. This allows you to fold earlier when things go wrong or bet aggressively when you sense weakness. Low-risk playing is also folding more frequently than not. Though it appears inactive, sometimes the best play is to fold an inferior hand and wait for better.