Poker concept

What is Heads-Up in Poker? Definition & Examples

Here's a clear definition with real-hand context, plus how it connects to the rest of your strategy.

Quick answer

Heads-Up — A hand or game with only two players.

In more detail

Ranges in heads-up play are extremely wide — pretty much every hand has some value. Push/fold becomes critical short-stacked.

Try the tool
Push/Fold chart

Common questions

What does Heads-Up mean in poker?

Ranges in heads-up play are extremely wide — pretty much every hand has some value. Push/fold becomes critical short-stacked.

What's the fastest way to calculate Heads-Up at the table?

Use our Push/Fold chart — it runs entirely in your browser, free, no signup.

Related terms

Action
Your turn to act, or the overall betting activity in a hand.
Bad Beat
Losing a hand where you were a heavy statistical favorite.
Board
The community cards dealt face-up in the middle of the table.
Cooler
A hand where two players have very strong holdings — unavoidable losses happen.

New to poker? Start with our preflop strategy guide and the free TAG cheatsheet.