If you happen to play tournament poker, then you know that heads-up play is inevitable. There comes a moment when there are only two opponents left at the table and they must battle each other for the coveted top place prize. Successful heads-up play requires both opponents to have some experience in poker, in general, and in 'one-on-one' play, in particular. While even the most experienced players tend to lose every once is a while, we believe that the inexperienced player would have a much harder time trying to achieve victory than his more skillful opponent.

Seeking to present you with the most basic heads-up play tips, we have selected the following five recommendations that are very likely to help you out in your heads-up play adventures:

Be picky about the hands you play

It is highly important that you filter the hands you are willing to enter the game with. If you realize that you've been dealt a lousy hand and the chances of winning with that particular hand are scarce, don't enter the game. Of course, this does not mean that you should fold every hand unless it's premium, but being careful in hand selection is a primary skill in traditional as well as online poker .

If you are tight aggressive, stay tight aggressive

If you happen to be a tight aggressive player, just stay the same way when you are playing heads-up. If playing aggressively is what got you the heads-up play in the first place, don't change your strategy all of a sudden. Even if you are bluffing and you happen to hold a hand of an arguable strength, do not let your opponent notice it by changing your style of play.

Slowplaying a great strategy

If Lady Luck happens to be good to you and you are dealt a strong hand while playing heads-up, let your opponent do the betting action for you. Once again, you are not supposed to project you hand strength with your moves. Don't let the other player read you. Use that poker face of yours. Make everybody think that you are holding a mediocre hand and sweat while trying to figure whether it's true or not.

When hope fades away...

Fold! It's as simple as that. When you realize that there is no possible chance that you could win with the hand you are holding, just fold it. It is better to save your bankroll for another opportunity, than stay in the game until the bitter end and realize that you've squandered your last buck for no good reason. Although we definitely do not support giving up without a decent fight, part of successful poker play is acknowledging your limits. Define a red line and try not to cross it!

There is no doubt that becoming experienced in heads-up poker play may sometimes seem as a demanding and time-consuming procedure. However, if you seek to play successful tournament poker, it's a 'must.' Remember, once you grasp the basics, you are half way there.