Phil Galfond: Three Types of Poker Maniacs and How to Beat Them

Poker professional Phil Galfond has identified three types of maniacs in poker and provided strategies for playing against them. The first type loves to make large bets on every street, the second type overvalues good hands, and the third type enjoys bluffing.

Against the first type of maniac, Galfond advises using a polar betting strategy. This involves betting only with strong hands or bluffs. The key is to understand that after their check, any bet from your side might encounter a check-raise. A polar range loves to get raised, while a range with thin value does not. Therefore, bet the flop with sets, two pairs, and flushes or straights if they are on the flop, and add some bluffs. Your opponent won't overfold, but you need some bluffs because they are not complete idiots and will adjust if they see you always have a set after any bet.

Against the second type of maniac, who overvalues good hands, Galfond recommends folding if you don't beat most of their value hands. These players will give you all the money when they have a good hand and you have a monster. If you have a marginal hand and they have a good one, they won't create difficulties if you fold to a large bet. Against these players, it's safe to bet-fold. With a second pair on the turn, you have the right to bet blockbets for thin value and protection because if a raise comes, the fold will be very simple and obvious.