Why Heads-Up Cash Can Be a Smart Starting Point

Most beginners are told to stick to full-ring or 6-max tables, but heads-up cash games are arguably the fastest way to learn. You’re involved in every hand, constantly adjusting, and seeing more flops per hour than any other format. This builds instincts quickly and teaches exploitative play better than playing tight and waiting for premiums. The challenge is that HU traffic is inconsistent, and rake can be brutal at low stakes. But with proper bankroll management and a multi-limit approach, it can be a powerful training ground. Professional poker player Elias Holloway credits heads-up games for much of his early development and suggests a structured, low-risk approach for new players: