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Heads Up!!!

While preparing to view this year's NBC National Heads Up Poker Championship, I watched the finals of last year's again recently. For those that don't remember, and shame on you for forgetting, Chris "Jesus" Ferguson and Phil Helmuth Jr. outlasted the field of 64 to make the best two out of three final table match.

Phil was in top Phil form, living up to his reputation as the "Poker Brat." Even having a blowup at one point when "Jesus" called his all in as a ten to one dog, and sucking out on the river. I guess they needed something to fill the rest of the hour, as they followed him down the hall, and into the lobby of the Golden Nugget, while he was ranting all the way. He did eventually win this inaugural event, and brought home a trophy, and big enough ratings for NBC to do it again this year.

Most of you have probably never experienced the thrill of heads up play, myself included. I play in tournaments exclusively, however, since none of them are televised, at some point at the final table, everyone decides they've had enough, and we agree to chop the rest of the prize money.

The theory of the heads up tournament in this format is that the better players outlast the weaker players, until the field is whittled down to a single champion. The poker world's version of March Madness. If this were horse racing, it would be the equivalent of a match race.

When you're playing against only one other player, the small blind also has the dealer button, and enjoys the privilege of acting first before the flop, and last after the flop. Texas Hold 'Em is always best played heads up in position, or so the books would have you believe, and it's true, for the most part. However, your starting hand strategy will necessarily change.

While observing the matches on TV, it's best to remember, that it's not a live event, meaning, out of the thousands of hands that are played each level, you'll only see a select few. And with the miracle of the pocket cam, the starting hands you'll witness may not be found on any starting hand chart, either online or off.

These players have been sticking to the theory that any two cards can win. Furthermore, you'll find that they vary their opening wager on the strength of their hand. Two styles that won't necessarily hold up if you were to attempt the same playing style in the early rounds of a tournament, or in a cash game.

The Phil Hellmuth blowup hand is a specific example of this phenomenon. Ferguson started with a measly nine deuce offsuit. He opened with a raise. I don't recall the amount or the blind level at this point, as they aren't relevant. Phil played A3 suited, and called. The flop came down 259 with one heart, giving Phil a straight draw and Jesus two pair, and the four of hearts on the turn made Phil's straight, and gave them both a flush draw, however, Phil held the ace.

He moves all in, and Ferguson thinks for awhile, and makes a remark that the way he played this hand, he should lose, but that he believe he has fifteen outs, although, by my count it's thirteen, so, he calls.

The miracle nine comes on the river, giving him the full house he needed.

Sending Phil to the floor, and away from the table, ranting as I described previously. One remark he made, might be a paraphrase. "I'm the best because even the best in the world are trying to give their chips to me…." Etc. While this makes for great TV, he probably should be court martialed for conduct unbecoming a poker player.

This year, expect more of the same, intensified. As you read this, the first round of 64 has been broadcast. The competition itself was completed at the beginning of March, and if you really wanted to, I'm sure you could find the results online, or read the latest issue of Card Player, where the winner is on the cover. So, given everything I've said above, why should you watch?

Well, taking into account the TV factor, you should be able to get a sense of what heads up is like. You'll notice the differing playing styles, as well as the inevitable psychological game playing you won't see if you merely lookup the results. You'll also see the pros that you follow being regular people as well, except for the aforementioned Phil Hellmuth Jr.

How'd he fair this year? He drew first round opponent Chip Reese, whom many say is the greatest cash game player in the world, as well as being the youngest ever inducted into the poker Hall of Fame. Chip had a great read on Phil, even getting him to talk to the commentator through the pocket cam at one point. Apparently, this didn't help his play, as he pushed all in with Q9 offsuit, against Chip's pair of tens, and five cards later, was giving his exit interview. This year, we'll have a new heads up champion.

72 and sunny in Redondo Beach.

Next time, we'll talk about, poker. Be there, aloha.

"Matches Malone"

Editor's note: Matches Malone has been writing for us for a couple years
now, and you can read his blog notes at @ PokerAllStar.com