More Love for the Maniacs

Hi. Come on in. I've made tuna melt sandwiches on dark rye bread. Get a beer from the fridge and we'll speak about our beloved game of poker.

Many players fear maniacs because they don't know how to play effectively against them. Others welcome them because they have figured out how to play against them. Some players have a strategy for shorthanded games. Others have a strategy for tight games. And there are those who have worked out a "maniac strategy."

Last time, we spoke of how to play profitably against the maniac. We determined that discipline, patience, and lots of chips are basically what is needed to win their money. Now, let's add some more thoughts to those.

A maniac's play consists mostly of mistakes, and we have learned, over years of study, that your profit in poker comes from your opponents' mistakes. You just have to pick the right mistake at the right time with the right position and the right hand. That means that while you are studying your opponents, you'll want to study the maniac more closely in order to pick your spots.

Trying to isolate the maniac to get one-on-one with him will be difficult and probably won't be met with much success, as others in the game will also be trying to get a share of the money he is distributing around the table. You don't want to beat the maniac, only to have another player beat you. You'll still need to play a solid game with enough strength and balance to entice the maniac, and still beat the others at the table. (Yes, try to remember there are other players in the game, some of whom might maintain their patience and discipline, and will be happy to pick you off while you are trying to pick off the maniac.)

Miracle draws seem to be the hallmark of the maniac. While he is running amok, you'll hear such phrases as, "One card in the deck to make his hand and this guy catches it." That is usually an exaggeration, but oftentimes not by much. Usually, such a phrase is uttered by a player who is tired of seeing the maniac rake in big pots. He decides to lower his starting standards and go after the maniac. But, he lowered them too far and the maniac picked him off – not with a miracle draw, but with a legitimate hand. Therefore, to soothe his ego, he remarks disparagingly about the maniac, while inside his head he is castigating himself for having tried such a dumb move.

If the maniac does pick you off for a pile of chips with a miracle draw, hold your tongue. If you mouth off at the maniac, it tells your opponents you are on a bit of tilt. The sharp players in the game will take advantage of your state of mind and will work on picking you off along with the maniac.

Maniacs are often drunk or showing off – or both. They like to be the center of attention. Play to that. Stroke their egos. Say things like, "Good hand," or "Nice play." (They'll actually believe your insincere comments.) You don't want to say anything nasty about their play. They might decide to buckle down and play better, thus locking up those long-shot winnings.

Bluff him? Surely you jest. The maniac is a calling station. But be aware that the maniac came to gamble; thus, he loves to bluff. Be prepared to call on the end for one last bet if you have any kind of decent hand.

Here's a final thought: Relax. Take your time. Don't be in a rush to get the maniac's money. The fear of the good player is that the maniac will go broke before he can get a piece of the pie. You see other players getting their piece, and you want yours. Relax. Don't push it, or you may find that the dealer is pushing "your" pot yet again to the maniac. Remember, patience and discipline will get the maniac's money. And if you don't find yourself in a position to profit largely from the maniac at some time during the game, know that at least you weren't taken down the tubes by his "miracle drawing powers." It takes patience and discipline – and as we said last time, lots of chips.

Leave me enough tuna and rye to make a sandwich for my breakfast tomorrow. Now, go forth and love the maniacs – and their chips. Don't forget to kill the light on your way out.

Editor's note: Roy West, author of the best-seller, 7 Card Stud, the Complete Course in Winning (available from Card Player), continues to give his successful poker lessons in Las Vegas to both tourists and locals. Ladies are welcome. Call 1-800-548-6177 Ext. 03.