I have made substantial money playing in medium-stakes tournaments and cash games against maniacs by simply check/calling down with hands like a middle pair. While playing maniacally may seem like an easy but high-variance way to win at poker, the strategy falls apart once opponents realize that all they have to do is not fold. If opponents refuse to put all their money into the pot without a two pair or better hand, simply betting whenever they check will result in winning a lot of money because the opponent is folding too often by the river. Maniacal strategies may seem impressive and may work well against players who fold too often, which just so happens to be how many small- and medium-stakes players play. They vividly remember the times they raised with a hand like Q-Q, a lunatic re-raised, they called and then somehow lost to the lunatic’s 7-3 when the board runs out J-6-2-7-3, or when it comes A-K-2 and they fold to a continuation bet. Many players struggle when they face overly loose, aggressive opponents who are capable of showing up with any hand at any time. It’s hype! Players actually win by finding a game they can beat, playing it a lotĪnd keeping a proper bankroll. That leads casual players to think that the creative, aggressive plays-or conversely, the gigantic folds-are how players win at poker. Viewers rarely see the routine, mundane hands where someone steals the blinds or when someone raises, continuation bets on the flop and then wins a small pot. Televised poker tournaments show only the most interesting hands in a long final table or cash game session.

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