ne poker giant PokerStars will eliminate its heads-up cash games as part of the brand's ongoing strategic plan.

No Limit Hold’em, Fixed Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha are the three head-to-head variants being removed, with extra versions of Heads-Up Zoom introduced, the company announced in an email to players.

The change is described by PokerStars as being "part of our commitment to reducing predatory behaviour and improving the recreational player experience".

The average poker player loses more money to skilled players in short-handed games.

Eric Hollreiser, head of communications at Amaya, added: "We expect these changes to incentivise more players to be focused on playing poker and less focused on selecting opponents.

“Ultimately we believe this will raise the competitive bar and help increase a fun and fair playing experience for everyone.”

The shutdown of heads-up cash games may not be a great surprise to some, as sister site Full Tilt took similar action last year.