Heads-Up Strategies for Flop, Turn, and River in Texas Hold’em Heads-up Games URL has been copied successfully! Heads-up play rewards those who mix up their tactics and are aggressive when the timing is right Playing heads-up in Texas Hold’em requires a different mindset than full-table games. With only two players at the table, ranges are wider, aggression matters more, and each betting street—flop, turn, and river—carries extra weight. Crafting a smart strategy for each stage is key to winning consistently. On the flop, position and initiative are major factors. If you raised pre-flop and your opponent just called, you often have the edge to continue with a small bet. This forces your opponent to react without much information. In heads-up, even weak hands like bottom pair or ace-high can be good enough to bet or call. You should also pay close attention to board texture—dry boards with fewer draws are better for c-bets, while wet boards might require more caution unless you connect well. The turn is where strategy starts to shift. This is the street where pot sizes increase and decisions start to define the hand. If you’re holding a strong draw or second pair, this might be a good spot to semi-bluff, especially if you think your opponent missed the board. On the other hand, slow-playing too much can backfire because heads-up players bluff often. Use your read on your opponent—are they passive or aggressive? Do they chase? Adjust based on their tendencies. The river is the final test. At this point, either you’re value betting, bluffing, or deciding whether to make a tough call. If you’ve bet all the way and sense weakness, a big river bet can force a fold. But don’t overdo it—good opponents catch on quickly. If you’re calling a river bet, think about what hands beat you and how your opponent played each street.