HU SnG - the case for the defense

In another thread (which has possibly run its course) a relative beginner was talking about using heads up sit and gos as a way to learn the game. The advice from all quarters was a definite NO NO NO. I hope they s/he listens to and learns from all the sound advice.

That said, I have found that playing these games as a training exercise has really helped my overall game. Of course, it helps when you get heads up in a 9 player or MTT but I'd like to propose some other benefits.

1. A while ago my online game got a bit stuck and I found I was doing the same things over and over and not getting anywhere - I'd stop learning. I went off to the HU SnG and the extreme contrast of this game seemed to freshen me up a bit. A week of solid HU just got me out of the rut I was in. Back at the STTs and MTTs I was playing with more confidence and control.

2. Because you are involved in every hand at HU there is better entertainment value - it might not be better cash value but folding 40 hands in a row at a MTT is deathly dull.

3. In regular SnGs I'd often found myself up against two or three maniacs, so inevitably ten hands in someone would have a massive stack and unless I got a premium hand and hit a flop bigtime I'd feel quite stifled. In HU you don't get this situation and I could nail a few nutters.

4. I find it great way to practice reading a player's style. Since every hand gives some information about the other player I can make a judgment about their style of play and respond accordingly. For example, 30 hands against a calling station gives an opportunity to try different things against them. Likewise if I'm up against a level 3 thinker I can try some other stuff. A right good think about why these things do or don't work is the crucial part of the process.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating using HU to learn the basics or build a bankroll - I am just about breaking even. But I reckon it has its place as a training aid.

Any thoughts, comments, criticisms?

This is an interesting thread and discussion. I can definitely agree with #2 lol. I am on my toes and busy when HU - definitely entertained.

But I struggle with it - have had a lot of 2nd place finishes lately. Even when I go into it with a huge chip lead. I could never see myself just playing HU games. But I have been wondering what kind of practice and help it would be if I threw some in the mix.

I think I will buy Collin Moshman's HU strategy book and take it from there.