Tony writes, "I saw your article on live poker on your site and it was spot on. Could you give me a recommendation on what hands to play, raise first in and limp and what positions.to play them I know it mostly depends on the table dynamic but was just looking for a basic starting hand chart when I first sit down or not getting any reads on my opponents early in play."
If this question was about heads up, my starting hand chart would be
something like this: "In position, raise everything. Out of position,
fold everything, unless it's strong enough to three-bet."
Starting Hand Chart? Psh, naw!
How should I react to 3-bets in HU SNGs?
First, if you have a pocket pair, this is where most people can make some crucial mistakes. It's definitely bad to 4bet 22-77. If
you've gotten into a situation where 4bet > call > fold, then
you've done something wrong. You can probably avoid this situation if
you minraise them preflop instead. If you have 88+, it's never bad to 4-bet your opponent.
Calling 3bets with hands like KJ or JT are some of the biggest mistakes I see people make in HUSNGs. Probably just fold suited connectors as well unless you're very, very deep.
If your strategy isn't working, and your opponent is 3betting you OOP with
air a lot, you need to consider a new strategy. Raise fewer hands
preflop, so your range is stronger on average when you are 3bet.
Remember that being the recipient of a 3-bet is a double edged sword. First, it's bad because it forces you to a decision to play for stacks. But, it's good because your opponent has put a large chunk of stack on the line out of position. You need to learn to pick up on the opportunities that this gives you, either by taking it away from him now or by folding your mediocre hands to encourage him to continue to make this mistake against you.
Memorizing a Preflop Button Strategy for Heads Up Poker
The preflop round is arguably the most important round in heads-up, because you are forced to post blinds and play your hand. When you have the button, you have position on your opponent throughout the entire hand. There are three different preflop strategies that you should use, depending on how your opponent plays.