Note of clarification – when I say “maniac” I am using the term a bit loosely. I mean bad players that call and raise with anything.

I played 4 SnG’s (9 & 8 players) at a home game last night and realized 2 things. First, since players can play any way they want, I need to learn to play maniacs better to help round out my game. Second, although maniacs may be profitable if you play them right, if you're playing with friends mostly for fun they can rune an otherwise enjoyable game.

I ended up about $80 up overall, and am not all that concerned about the hands I lost. For example, one time with pocket aces my 4xBB raise was called PF, and then I pot raised flop and turn, and called their all-in on the river. Their 2c 4c caught runner/runner clubs for a low flush taking out my 2 pair. Another time they kept raising till the showdown with 6 high and lost most of here stack… to someone else of course.

I know me and three others that play quite a bit that would have preferred a different type of game, but all-in all is was better than no poker at all. What can/should we do in these situations? Just suck it up and laugh it off, knowing tomorrow will be another day? They take advise very poorly, so I stopped trying to give it a while ago, but I think this Christmas calls for a Poker book or 2 for the really bad one.

Any other suggestions?

I know when i play "maniacs" i call more often with medium strength hands on later betting rounds and early in the hand i like to re raise them with medium hands to try and isolate their more than likely weaker hand. That and sittin behind them will help too

There was one really bad, and often one I can handle, or at the very least expect. The problem is when there are 3 or 4 of them out of only 8 or 9 people. Isolation is damn near impossible. I do prefer to sit to their left, but thanks for mentioning it. I'll be more conscious of this especially at games were we pick our own seats.

Play the micros online!!!! Maniacs as far as the eye can see!!

__________________
My FTP 1000 $1 SnG Quest:

Played - 45, Won - 8, ITM - 17

Total won: $20.80
Win %: 9.00%
ITM%: 37.78%

also go to borders get a book called the psychology of poker...great book, explains why people play the way they do and how you should adjust your gamem to theirs.