1:1 Poker: Rules and Strategy for Head-to-Head Poker
1:1 Poker Betting Guide
In 1:1 Poker, the standard poker betting rules apply, but since you’re up against only one opponent, understanding the psychology behind betting becomes even more crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the basic betting options:
- Call: Match the amount your opponent has bet.
- Ping: Bet the minimum amount required (only available to the game host).
- Ddang: Double the amount that the previous player bet.
- Half: Bet 50% of the total pot.
- Fold: Quit the round and stop betting.
- Check: Pass on betting without folding (only available to the game host).
- Max: Bet the maximum amount within your limit (up to 3.85 billion chips, or 192.5 million in friend matches).
In 1:1 Poker, the betting strategy revolves around observing your opponent’s moves and reacting accordingly. A well-timed bluff could force your opponent to fold a strong hand, or you could trick them into betting more when you hold the superior hand.
1:1 Poker Hand Rankings
The hand rankings in 1:1 Poker follow the same order as in traditional 7-card Stud. Suits are ranked (
> ◆ > 
> 
), but suits generally don’t affect hand comparison. Here are the hands ranked from highest to lowest:
Royal Straight Flush:
10, J, Q, K, A of the same suit (the strongest hand).Back Straight Flush:
A, 2, 3, 4, 5 of the same suit.Straight Flush:
Five consecutive cards of the same suit.Four of a Kind:
Four cards of the same rank.Full House:
Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.Flush:
Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.Straight:
Five consecutive cards of any suit.Three of a Kind:
Three cards of the same rank.Two Pair:
Two sets of pairs.One Pair:
Two cards of the same rank.No Pair:
A hand that doesn’t fit any of the above combinations.
1:1 Poker Strategy
Although 1:1 Poker shares many similarities with traditional 7-card Stud, the head-to-head format requires a different approach to strategy:
Observe Your Opponent Closely:
In 1:1 Poker, focusing on your opponent’s betting habits is key. Do they frequently bluff? Are they conservative with their bets? Adapting to their behavior will give you an advantage.Balance Between Aggression and Defense:
Purely aggressive play can make you predictable, and purely defensive play can make you vulnerable. Mixing both approaches will make it harder for your opponent to read your hand.Well-Timed Bluffing:
Bluffing in 1:1 Poker is about identifying when your opponent is likely holding a weaker hand. If they check or make small bets, consider bluffing with a larger bet to pressure them into folding.Adapt to Their Playing Style:
If your opponent is aggressive, try playing more defensively and let them overcommit to the pot. If they are defensive, you can apply pressure by betting more often to force them into folding weaker hands.