Doug Polk's 30 Min Guide to Heads-Up Poker

Heads-up poker is fast and action-packed. You have to play loose and aggressive to maximize your win-rate. But you also have to be precise with your aggression to avoid spewing money to your opponent.

Whether you play heads-up or not, you can benefit a lot from learning heads-up strategy. Case in point: Doug Polk has had a ton of success in non-heads-up games throughout his career, and he owes a lot of that success to the skills he gained playing heads-up.

Mike Brady is joined by Doug to run through the fundamentals of heads-up No Limit Hold'em strategy in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up

Doug's new course The End Boss System is available now. Learn more at https://upswingpoker.com/the-end-boss-system/

Episode Transcription

00:00 Introduction to Heads-Up Poker Strategy

03:10 Pre-Flop Strategy from the Big Blind

06:23 Adjusting Bet Sizes Based on Stack Depth

12:42 Optimal Three-Bet and Four-Bet Ranges

17:25 Post-Flop Play Tips and Sizing Strategy

20:40 Non-Equity Bluffs in Heads-Up Play

25:02 Value Betting and Balancing Your Range

28:34 Training Your Bluff Muscle

30:36 Final Thoughts and Course Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Doug Polk dive into the essentials of heads-up poker—a format where mastering aggression and precision can make or break your game. Doug Polk, a three-time WSOP bracelet winner and one of the most accomplished heads-up players in the world, shares his expert insights into how to dominate in heads-up no-limit hold'em. Whether you're an experienced player or just starting to explore heads-up poker, this episode is packed with actionable strategies that can elevate your overall poker game.

The discussion begins with a breakdown of pre-flop strategy from both the button and the big blind. Doug explains the optimal ranges for open-raising, three-betting, and how to adjust your bet sizing based on stack depth. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how deeper stacks influence your strategy, particularly when it comes to juicing the pot in position and playing more cautiously out of position.

As the conversation moves to post-flop play, Doug offers three crucial tips that will help you navigate the complexities of heads-up scenarios. From choosing the right bet sizes to knowing when to barrel off with non-equity bluffs, these tips are designed to make your post-flop decisions more precise and profitable. Doug also highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced range and why it's essential to mix up your strategies to avoid becoming predictable to your opponent.

Listeners will also learn about the psychological aspects of heads-up play, including how to train your "bluff muscle" and develop the confidence needed to make big moves when the situation calls for it. Doug's advice is not just about heads-up poker; it’s about instilling a mindset that can be applied across all forms of poker, helping you become a more resilient and adaptive player.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone serious about improving their heads-up game or looking to add new weapons to their poker arsenal. Tune in, take notes, and start mastering the art of heads-up poker with insights from one of the best in the game, Doug Polk. Whether you're preparing for a heads-up challenge or just want to sharpen your skills, this episode provides the tools you need to succeed.