Manical players at 1-2 NL Holdem--Should I change tables?

[momof4girls]

Greetings--I've been reading posts and forums off and on for about 6 months--thank you for all the great advice. Beginner with about 1 1/2 years of playing under belt at B&m and online. My ? is, is it appropriate to change tables when up against a maniacal player, or should I just tighten up and wait to pounce?---I realize that in long run this player will lose stack with this type of play, but don't want to lose my stack to him and in turn another player at the table recovers it. Thanks

[4_2_it]

Is villain a maniac both pre- and post-flop? A lot of players are crazy stupid pre-flop, but play better than average post-flop and only showdown solid hands.

In general, against maniacs, you should tighten up OOP and see cheap flops in position. TPTK or better is usually gold against them. The biggest mistake most players make is trying to out-maniac a maniac.

[momof4girls]

The players I'm referring to usually start out with a live straddle (sp?), then the aggression continues post flop--I don't play the straddle unless I have a raising hand and then I raise 4 to 5 times the straddle.

[4_2_it]

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The players I'm referring to usually start out with a live straddle (sp?), then the aggression continues post flop--I don't play the straddle unless I have a raising hand and then I raise 4 to 5 times the straddle.

[/ QUOTE ]

If it continues post flop, then just let them bluff their stack when they have a monster. I'd also try to play pots HU with them as much as possible.

Having position on them is key. If the maniac is sitting on your near immediate left then either leave or switch seats.

BTW - Don't assume everyone who straddles is a maniac. I straddle all the time live because I am usually play very tight, but all the tables notices is the idiot who straddles.

[AKQJ10]

Wild players increase your EV and increase variance. Passive players increase your EV (possibly as much or even more) and decrease variance.

If you're generally variance-intolerant, there's nothing wrong with changing tables. However, if you have the bankroll and the psychological tolerance, this can be a great situation.

You'll want to to check/call more than ordinary, because moderately smart maniacs know not to press the point when someone shows resistance. And you'll want to call down with good to very good hands, e.g. TPTK or an overpair, as well as of course your monsters like sets or better.

[momof4girls]

Thanks for your imput--it was very helpful and appreciated.

[SplawnDarts]

Step 1: get first seat change button (or whatever they use at your casino)

Step 2: get as close to the left of the maniac as possible

Step 3: into pots with the maniac heads-up where you have a better range and position. Do this even if his preflop raise into you is bigger than your would like

Step 4: outplay maniac after the flop,

Step 5: spend his money