Heads Up practice

[Scuba Chuck]

Per the advice of Phil VS, I played some HU games on Pokerstars. I started playing the $5 games. And as I won, I just began letting it ride. Needless to say, I only played to the $50 table (and won /images/graemlins/smile.gif), but I wanted to pass along some advice if anyone's interested.

Go read Irieguy's "betting impetus" post.
Then go play headsup at Pokerstars
Play almost every single Button hand.

See how Irieguy's post begins to magically come to life. He's right on.

Thanks Irie.

Scuba.

[dfscott]

I think I need to go over there as well. My stats over the last 200+ tourneys have me making it to HU 25% of the time. But when I get HU, I win only about 30% of the time.

I know, I know, could be normal variance, but I don't think it can hurt.

[Scuba Chuck]

Just played another $50 buyin and won. It's funny how this forum full of fold and push advice, has taught me some postflop play.

BTW, I am serious about reading the 'Betting Impetus' post first.

Scuba

[Benoit]

Good idea, I love playing heads up, wouldn't hurt to practice. BTW, how long did it last? At $5, did you get someone way aggresive or passive?

[Scuba Chuck]

I played 3 $5s, 2 $20s, and 2 $50s (+66% ROI /images/graemlins/smile.gif). I don't feel those numbers qualify as significant for time observations. FWIW, they are not as short as you might think. Maybe 20-25 minutes.

Tomorrow night, I'll try two tabling, and eventually 4 tabling. See how my skills really are.

BTW, anyone have any opinions on ROI with regard to headsup play?

[Irieguy]

You are welcome, scuba. I am happy that you found it valuable.

My personal opinion is that betting impetus is the single most important concept in SNG poker. That's because it's the most important factor in blind play, and blind play is the most important part of SNG poker.

Irieguy

[Scuba Chuck]

[ QUOTE ]
My personal opinion is that betting impetus is the single most important concept in SNG poker. That's because it's the most important factor in blind play, and blind play is the most important part of SNG poker.

[/ QUOTE ]

Lol, I had to read that 3 times.... /images/graemlins/blush.gif

[dfscott]

[ QUOTE ]
That's because it's the most important factor in blind play, and blind play is the most important part of SNG poker.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why is this? Because it's the one time you're forced to play sub-optimal hands?

[The Yugoslavian]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
That's because it's the most important factor in blind play, and blind play is the most important part of SNG poker.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why is this? Because it's the one time you're forced to play sub-optimal hands?

[/ QUOTE ]

You're not forced to play anything from the blinds...

Blind play is a very difficult part of any poker format.....it is very unique in STT poker b/c you can actually play from the blinds for a ....*gasp* profit!

This is difficult and few do....but it's possible and that is very interesting in and of itself. This is also why it is crucial to play them well to kill the game...

I have yet to master them.

Yugoslav
Who thinks he is getting betterat it, however, /images/graemlins/grin.gif.

[theredpill5]

Now that you've got me completely interested, how about the link to this article, the one by Irieguy ? I need help with my heads up play. Thanks

[Scuba Chuck]

[ QUOTE ]
Blind play is a very difficult part of any poker format.....it is very unique in STT poker b/c you can actually play from the blinds for a ....*gasp* profit!

This is difficult and few do....but it's possible and that is very interesting in and of itself. This is also why it is crucial to play them well to kill the game...

I have yet to master them.

[/ QUOTE ]

What's with the cryptic message? Can you decode?

Scuba
who's thinking, "what the hell are you talking about?"

[theredpill5]

LINK LINK LINK LINK

[wuwei]

The search function works too. (http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=singletable&Number=201 3145&Forum=,All_Forums,&Words=&Searchpage=0&Limit= 25&Main=2012528&Search=true&where=&Name=15228&date range=&newerval=&newertype=&olderval=&oldertype=&b odyprev=#Post2013145)

[dfscott]

[ QUOTE ]
Now that you've got me completely interested, how about the link to this article, the one by Irieguy ? I need help with my heads up play. Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

C'mon, this is an easy one...

Subject: betting impetus
Author: Irieguy

That said, here it is. (http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=singletable&Number=2013145 &Forum=f22&Words=betting%20impetus&Searchpage=0&Li mit=25&Main=2012528&Search=true&where=sub&Name=152 28&daterange=1&newerval=1&newertype=w&olderval=&ol dertype=&bodyprev=#Post2013145)

Edit: wuwei, who I believe is another old limit poster, beat me to it.

[The Yugoslavian]

[ QUOTE ]

What's with the cryptic message?


[/ QUOTE ]

I dunno, didn't think it was very cryptic.

[ QUOTE ]

Can you decode?


[/ QUOTE ]

Which part?

[ QUOTE ]

who's thinking, "what the hell are you talking about?"

[/ QUOTE ]

Playing from the blinds, /images/graemlins/smile.gif.

Yugoslav

[Voltron87]

Low limit SNG HU play is very easy to get to a good win rate. On your button, raise and go all in a lot. A lot. When they raise, you fold. Go all in when you have an ace, king, or PP and they raise. Just go all in in 3/5 hands and you will go good, if you avoid them when they raise.

[dfscott]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

What's with the cryptic message?


[/ QUOTE ]

I dunno, didn't think it was very cryptic.


[/ QUOTE ]

I think your avatar is cryptic. What is that -- a cow's butt?

[The Yugoslavian]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

What's with the cryptic message?


[/ QUOTE ]

I dunno, didn't think it was very cryptic.


[/ QUOTE ]

I think your avatar is cryptic. What is that -- a cow's butt?

[/ QUOTE ]

Damned if I know....ask Suited, he's still in charge of ye old avatar.

Yugoslav

[SuitedSixes]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

What's with the cryptic message?


[/ QUOTE ]

I dunno, didn't think it was very cryptic.


[/ QUOTE ]

I think your avatar is cryptic. What is that -- a cow's butt?

[/ QUOTE ]

Damned if I know....ask Suited, he's still in charge of ye old avatar.

Yugoslav

[/ QUOTE ]

Elephant

[willie]

[ QUOTE ]
Low limit SNG HU play is very easy to get to a good win rate. On your button, raise and go all in a lot. A lot. When they raise, you fold. Go all in when you have an ace, king, or PP and they raise. Just go all in in 3/5 hands and you will go good, if you avoid them when they raise.

[/ QUOTE ]

this is highly oversimplified.

[Scuba Chuck]

(Seriously)

Your message is cryptic because it says a lot without saying anything at all.

[ QUOTE ]
it is very unique in STT poker b/c you can actually play from the blinds for a ....*gasp* profit!


[/ QUOTE ]

What exactly are you referring to here? I assume 'betting impetus.'

Scuba
who's looking at a man sticking out of an elephants' patoot.

[The Yugoslavian]

[ QUOTE ]
(Seriously)

Your message is cryptic because it says a lot without saying anything at all.


[/ QUOTE ]

Ahh, this is most likely the Philosopher in me....I apologize.

[ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
it is very unique in STT poker b/c you can actually play from the blinds for a ....*gasp* profit!


[/ QUOTE ]

What exactly are you referring to here? I assume 'betting impetus.'


[/ QUOTE ]

Well, since in some ways *everything* in STTs comes down to betting impetus...yes, I guess.

I'm simply referring to a unique property of STTs, in that you can play the blinds for profit...whereas in limit or MTTs, you can't. It's very interesting IMO from a theoretical standpoint (and practically since I'm certainly not playing the blinds for a profit).

I also am not sure most people realize this and/or really realize how profound this specific characteristic of STTs is...

Yugoslav

[dfscott]

[ QUOTE ]
FWIW, they are not as short as you might think. Maybe 20-25 minutes.

[/ QUOTE ]

You're just not as efficient as I am, Scuba:

PokerStars Game #1439707000: Tournament #6553768, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round I, Level I (10/20) - 2005/03/29 - 23:15:09 (ET)
Table '6553768 1' One on One Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: fholdem (1500 in chips)
Seat 2: dfscott (1500 in chips)
fholdem: posts small blind 10
dfscott: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to dfscott [7c Qs]
fholdem: raises 100 to 120
dfscott: folds
fholdem collected 40 from pot
fholdem: shows [3d Jd] (high card Jack)
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 40 | Rake 0
Seat 1: fholdem (button) (small blind) collected (40)
Seat 2: dfscott (big blind) folded before Flop

PokerStars Game #1439713140: Tournament #6553768, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round I, Level I (10/20) - 2005/03/29 - 23:16:07 (ET)
Table '6553768 1' One on One Seat #2 is the button
Seat 1: fholdem (1520 in chips)
Seat 2: dfscott (1480 in chips)
dfscott: posts small blind 10
fholdem: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to dfscott [7s Td]
dfscott: folds
fholdem collected 20 from pot
fholdem: doesn't show hand
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 20 | Rake 0
Seat 1: fholdem (big blind) collected (20)
Seat 2: dfscott (button) (small blind) folded before Flop

PokerStars Game #1439714468: Tournament #6553768, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round I, Level I (10/20) - 2005/03/29 - 23:16:19 (ET)
Table '6553768 1' One on One Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: fholdem (1530 in chips)
Seat 2: dfscott (1470 in chips)
fholdem: posts small blind 10
dfscott: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to dfscott [Ad Jd]
fholdem: raises 100 to 120
dfscott: raises 220 to 340
fholdem: raises 1190 to 1530 and is all-in
dfscott: calls 1130 and is all-in
*** FLOP *** [4c Qs Ts]
*** TURN *** [4c Qs Ts] [Qc]
*** RIVER *** [4c Qs Ts Qc] [7s]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
dfscott: shows [Ad Jd] (a pair of Queens)
fholdem: shows [Kc Js] (a pair of Queens - lower kicker)
dfscott collected 2940 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2940 | Rake 0
Board [4c Qs Ts Qc 7s]
Seat 1: fholdem (button) (small blind) showed [Kc Js] and lost with a pair of Queens
Seat 2: dfscott (big blind) showed [Ad Jd] and won (2940) with a pair of Queens

PokerStars Game #1439718573: Tournament #6553768, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round I, Level I (10/20) - 2005/03/29 - 23:16:58 (ET)
Table '6553768 1' One on One Seat #2 is the button
Seat 1: fholdem (60 in chips)
Seat 2: dfscott (2940 in chips)
dfscott: posts small blind 10
fholdem: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to dfscott [4c 9d]
dfscott: raises 2920 to 2940 and is all-in
fholdem: calls 40 and is all-in
*** FLOP *** [Jd 3h 4s]
*** TURN *** [Jd 3h 4s] [Jh]
*** RIVER *** [Jd 3h 4s Jh] [5c]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
fholdem: shows [3d 7d] (two pair, Jacks and Threes)
dfscott: shows [4c 9d] (two pair, Jacks and Fours)
dfscott collected 120 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 120 | Rake 0
Board [Jd 3h 4s Jh 5c]
Seat 1: fholdem (big blind) showed [3d 7d] and lost with two pair, Jacks and Threes
Seat 2: dfscott (button) (small blind) showed [4c 9d] and won (120) with two pair, Jacks and Fours

Yeah, I know it was a loose call, but it was fun...

[Scuba Chuck]

You're just not as efficient as I am, Scuba:

Looks just like the finish of an $11 SNG, lol. 4 hands /images/graemlins/confused.gif

PS. How do you get the PS HHs?

[dfscott]

[ QUOTE ]
PS. How do you get the PS HHs?

[/ QUOTE ]

From the menu, choose Requests->Hand History. It'll give you up to your last 100. You can get tournament summaries there as well.

[Scuba Chuck]

[ QUOTE ]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FWIW, they are not as short as you might think. Maybe 20-25 minutes.


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You're just not as efficient as I am, Scuba:

[/ QUOTE ]

I got you beat, just 3 hands....

PokerStars Game #1442207876: Tournament #6566712, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round I, Level I (10/20) - 2005/03/30 - 14:44:43 (ET)
Table '6566712 1' One on One Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: 10derfoot (1500 in chips)
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (1500 in chips)
10derfoot: posts small blind 10
Scuba Chuck: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Scuba Chuck [2h As]
10derfoot: folds
Scuba Chuck collected 20 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 20 | Rake 0
Seat 1: 10derfoot (button) (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (big blind) collected (20)

PokerStars Game #1442208995: Tournament #6566712, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round I, Level I (10/20) - 2005/03/30 - 14:44:59 (ET)
Table '6566712 1' One on One Seat #2 is the button
Seat 1: 10derfoot (1490 in chips)
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (1510 in chips)
Scuba Chuck: posts small blind 10
10derfoot: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Scuba Chuck [Ad 6d]
Scuba Chuck: calls 10
10derfoot: checks
*** FLOP *** [3h Jd 6h]
10derfoot: checks
Scuba Chuck: checks
*** TURN *** [3h Jd 6h] [8d]
10derfoot: checks
Scuba Chuck: bets 20
10derfoot: folds
Scuba Chuck collected 40 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 40 | Rake 0
Board [3h Jd 6h 8d]
Seat 1: 10derfoot (big blind) folded on the Turn
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (button) (small blind) collected (40)

PokerStars Game #1442210930: Tournament #6566712, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round I, Level I (10/20) - 2005/03/30 - 14:45:27 (ET)
Table '6566712 1' One on One Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: 10derfoot (1470 in chips)
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (1530 in chips)
10derfoot: posts small blind 10
Scuba Chuck: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Scuba Chuck [As Ac]
10derfoot: raises 20 to 40
Scuba Chuck: raises 20 to 60
10derfoot: calls 20
*** FLOP *** [4s Ks 6c]
Scuba Chuck: checks
10derfoot: bets 120
Scuba Chuck: raises 120 to 240
10derfoot: calls 120
*** TURN *** [4s Ks 6c] [Th]
Scuba Chuck: bets 1230 and is all-in
10derfoot: calls 1170 and is all-in
*** RIVER *** [4s Ks 6c Th] [8h]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Scuba Chuck: shows [As Ac] (a pair of Aces)
10derfoot: shows [Js Jh] (a pair of Jacks)
Scuba Chuck collected 2940 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2940 | Rake 0
Board [4s Ks 6c Th 8h]
Seat 1: 10derfoot (button) (small blind) showed [Js Jh] and lost with a pair of Jacks
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (big blind) showed [As Ac] and won (2940) with a pair of Aces

[dfscott]

[ QUOTE ]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FWIW, they are not as short as you might think. Maybe 20-25 minutes.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



You're just not as efficient as I am, Scuba:

[/ QUOTE ]

I got you beat, just 3 hands....


[/ QUOTE ]


Oh, fine... do it with AA. Where's the fun in that?

Oh yeah, that's right -- collecting the winnings. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[TheUsher]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FWIW, they are not as short as you might think. Maybe 20-25 minutes.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



You're just not as efficient as I am, Scuba:

[/ QUOTE ]

I got you beat, just 3 hands....

PokerStars Game #1442207876: Tournament #6566712, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round I, Level I (10/20) - 2005/03/30 - 14:44:43 (ET)
Table '6566712 1' One on One Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: 10derfoot (1500 in chips)
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (1500 in chips)
10derfoot: posts small blind 10
Scuba Chuck: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Scuba Chuck [2h As]
10derfoot: folds
Scuba Chuck collected 20 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 20 | Rake 0
Seat 1: 10derfoot (button) (small blind) folded before Flop
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (big blind) collected (20)

PokerStars Game #1442208995: Tournament #6566712, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round I, Level I (10/20) - 2005/03/30 - 14:44:59 (ET)
Table '6566712 1' One on One Seat #2 is the button
Seat 1: 10derfoot (1490 in chips)
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (1510 in chips)
Scuba Chuck: posts small blind 10
10derfoot: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Scuba Chuck [Ad 6d]
Scuba Chuck: calls 10
10derfoot: checks
*** FLOP *** [3h Jd 6h]
10derfoot: checks
Scuba Chuck: checks
*** TURN *** [3h Jd 6h] [8d]
10derfoot: checks
Scuba Chuck: bets 20
10derfoot: folds
Scuba Chuck collected 40 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 40 | Rake 0
Board [3h Jd 6h 8d]
Seat 1: 10derfoot (big blind) folded on the Turn
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (button) (small blind) collected (40)

PokerStars Game #1442210930: Tournament #6566712, Hold'em No Limit - Match Round I, Level I (10/20) - 2005/03/30 - 14:45:27 (ET)
Table '6566712 1' One on One Seat #1 is the button
Seat 1: 10derfoot (1470 in chips)
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (1530 in chips)
10derfoot: posts small blind 10
Scuba Chuck: posts big blind 20
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to Scuba Chuck [As Ac]
10derfoot: raises 20 to 40
Scuba Chuck: raises 20 to 60
10derfoot: calls 20
*** FLOP *** [4s Ks 6c]
Scuba Chuck: checks
10derfoot: bets 120
Scuba Chuck: raises 120 to 240
10derfoot: calls 120
*** TURN *** [4s Ks 6c] [Th]
Scuba Chuck: bets 1230 and is all-in
10derfoot: calls 1170 and is all-in
*** RIVER *** [4s Ks 6c Th] [8h]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Scuba Chuck: shows [As Ac] (a pair of Aces)
10derfoot: shows [Js Jh] (a pair of Jacks)
Scuba Chuck collected 2940 from pot
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 2940 | Rake 0
Board [4s Ks 6c Th 8h]
Seat 1: 10derfoot (button) (small blind) showed [Js Jh] and lost with a pair of Jacks
Seat 2: Scuba Chuck (big blind) showed [As Ac] and won (2940) with a pair of Aces

[/ QUOTE ]

Bet the second hand on the flop. !!! /images/graemlins/grin.gif You're just giving free cards there and almost guaranteed to be ahead of him. And for the mini re-raise of AA, might as well just smooth-call it if you're going to play it that way so they don't get suspicious. /images/graemlins/smile.gif