The MANIAC and the TAG

[Captain R]

I think you guys are right, I should have donked the flop though. Maniac raising is a good thing since he's 2 to my left and this pot is big enough to try to win on the flop. If TAG 3-bets, it does put me in an uncomfortable situation. Do I cap? Call? Donk the turn?

[ QUOTE ]

as played donk the turn so maniac can one again protect your hand.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would agree with you if there were more than the 3 of us left in the hand, but I am either crushed or way ahead of TAG. Although an A/K/J/3 probably chops us. So I don't really need to worry about protecting my hand, because there is nobody left to kick out that might draw profitably against me.

If we use the FTOP, aren't we profiting against TAG if we define our hand vs. his and can then react the right way? I.e., if we bet and maniac raises, he can properly fold his J or 3 bet his full house. If we check, maniac bets and TAG --

Raises, I can make a reasonable fold.
Calls, I can make the right decision and raise, and TAG made an error according to the FTOP in calling maniac's bet.

I'm using maniac as a way to "have the button" and act last in each street.