The maniac who has been winning is more dangerous than the maniac who has been losing. A winning maniac has chips to apply pressure and confidence to keep doing it. Don't try to bully them back - they won't care.

Why they do it

Maniacs run hot sometimes. When they do, their stack gives their aggression real teeth. They can call your re-raises, they can 4-bet you, and they're emotionally in a good place to keep firing. This is not the moment to get into a battle with them light.

The adjustment

Wait for a strong hand and let them do the work. Check to them, let them bet, then raise or call down. Don't try to out-maniac the maniac when they're running good.

What it's worth

Getting into a light 3-bet war with a winning maniac and running into the top of their range costs you $150-300. Patience here is literal dollars saved.