Heads Up Poker Rules for Texas Hold’em

 Texas Hold'em Heads-Up Poker Rules

When heads up is achieved in a poker tournament or home game, the most common questions I hear are, "Who goes first?" "Who gets the first cards?" and "Who has the button?" I find that heads up is the best time to see gameplay rules violated at the poker table. Because Texas Hold'em rules can be confusing in terms of one-on one or heads-to head play, it is easy to get lost.

Heads-up poker rules state that the dealer posts a small blind while the other player posts a big blind. The Big Blind deals the first card to the player who is in the Big Blind. The dealer acts first before the flop. The big blind acts first on turn, flop, and river. The dealer always acts last on the river, turn, or flop.

Why is the dealer posting the small blind?

If the blinds are reversed and the button player posts the big blind, it would violate the rules regarding order of play. Texas Hold'em is a game where the Big Blind must act before the flop. The button player must, therefore, post the Small Blind in heads up play.

Why is the Big Blind First after the Flop?

According to poker rules, the button must always act first after the flop. This may seem strange, but the rules do not require that the button act first in non-heads up play. The small blind acts first after the flip. In fact, regardless of where a player sits, if there is a button involved in the hand they are required go first.

What happens if the Button opens before the Flop?

If the button folds, he gives up the small blind to the big blind player, moves the button, and the next round begins. If the button calls, the player with the big blind has the choice to check back and raise. You may have heard the dealer mention "option" in the big blind.

Are poker odds different in heads-up?

No. No. It's easy to calculate the odds when you play one on one.

Are the Heads-up Rules the same for cash games and tournaments?

The order of play and rules for posting blinds are the same regardless of format. When you watch cash or tournaments, the only difference is that often, ante payments are made on top.

Are These the same rules as for Pot Limit Omaha

Yes, the rules for heads up play are the same in all flop-style flop games that have a button, two blinds, limit hold'em or no-limit holds'em as well as Omaha. Holdem Tournament - With a Rising Blind Should You Fold Or All In