Heads-Up n. a poker term used to describe play involving only 2 players. see also Ripptyde.

Heads-up play is all about pushing it and trapping. Passive play heads-up will kill you. Sure, most of the hands you are getting will be crap, but your opponent will be getting just as many rags too. Don't be afraid to raise with hands like 2-5o. Often times your opponent will fold right there. If not then you can at least take the flop and re-evaluate. If your opponent comes way over the top then just lay it down. Also if your opponent happens to see you showing down with 2-5o when you raise pre-flop then they will likely be more willing to call your raises when you actually have a strong starting hand.

Don't be afraid to bet middle pair, strong draws or even bottom pair or A high on the flop. With two different hole cards, your chances of having a piece of the flop is ~1/3. So even if you hit bottom pair, chances are you're ahead. Of course to do this your play on the flop and later must be strong. Until you clean up that part of your game you are going to continue to suffer heads-up. This is just scratching the surface. There have been some great posts on heads-up play so I suggest you do a search for them.