You are running good a poker table and clearly are one of the stronger players. The table is populated with a few good players, some weak passive types and a few social types. It is an enjoyable game, especially since you’re winning; and then in an instant, everything changes. A seat becomes vacant and a new player sits down and proceeds to run over the table with crazy, unpredictable raises that scare off both the weak and strong players.
A maniac is now among the group, and the whole tone of the game is transformed. Maniacs are players who bet aggressively with almost any two cards and make themselves impossible to read. Typically they talk a lot too, saying one thing, then something contradictory in the next sentence. How do you deal with these types?
First of all, tighten up your game immediately. Do not go up against the maniac without an absolute power hand for at least one orbit or more around the poker table. Be prepared to call the blinds once or twice, then fold to the maniac to create a weak image for yourself.
Next think about your position in relation to the maniac. If he is to your right, and betting ahead of you most of the time, then that is your good fortune. When you get a power hand, re-raise the maniac.
When the maniac is betting behind you, let the maniac take charge of the betting. Check or only put out minimum bets and let the maniac do the raising, which you can call with your power hand.
Next, be patient. Wait for power hands after folding a few minimum gets; take note of position strategies, and then wait for a monster hand. Based on your position, check or call the maniac. When you are confident you hand is best, seek to check-raise when betting ahead of the maniac, or re-raise when the maniac bets in front of you. Remember this when you’re playing online poker.

