How to play vs. a Semi-Maniac
 

I was at a local B&M last night and had a semi maniac at the table. I say semi maniac because pre-flop, he would try to limp in and see the flop with any two cards, but most of the time if someone raised preflop he would fold, but it was still impossible to put him on a hand because he would play his junk like it was strong and fold on the river or play his strength passively. I think I finally figured him out once I started raising pre-flop against him in position for isolation with pocket pairs against his any two cards. Was this the correct way to play against this type of player?

Re: How to play vs. a Semi-Maniac
 

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because he would play his junk like it was strong and fold on the river or play his strength passively.

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seems like u got him figured out.

in all seriousness, these guys are pretty straight forward to play with- let him bluff all his money away.

Re: How to play vs. a Semi-Maniac
 

Isolate and punish. That's all there really is to it.

And change your seat. I would want to be right next to him. He won't get offended; it doesn't sound like he's sharp enough to see what you're doing.

Re: How to play vs. a Semi-Maniac
 

... right next to him on his LEFT....

Re: How to play vs. a Semi-Maniac
 

Sure, if the other players will let you do that. Realize that if there is anybody else of any skill they will see your isolation attemps and in turn try to isolate you.

In addition, make sure that you remember his tendancies when you find yourself in multiway pots with him by planning to c/r or build pots based on his position relative to you and other players.

Re: How to play vs. a Semi-Maniac
 

I isolated, and was about 50% against him when I figured out how to play against him. It was near the end of my session. This place is pretty hard to change a seat at. The people playing there buy in for $50 at a time and when its all gone they'll buy more, usually until they run out of money, which takes a while when they bring $300 with them.

Re: How to play vs. a Semi-Maniac
 

A couple of questions:

1. what do you mean by isolate? re-raise until everyone else is out?
2. Why to his left?

If you are to his right you can use him to check-raise
when you have flush draws and use him to re-raise when
you have pairs.

Re: How to play vs. a Semi-Maniac
 

I believe I figured it out. If he bets and you have a good
hand you bet and put everyone out. Is that right?
Otherwise you fold.

[P.S. By good hand I mean "tight" good.]

Re: How to play vs. a Semi-Maniac
 

yes having him on your left prevents you from limping, as he'll likely raise w/ ATC.