The $2/$5 maniac who 4-bets you after you 3-bet him is not always bluffing. At this level he knows you think he's bluffing. Sometimes he has it and he's letting you hang yourself.

Why they do it

$2/$5 maniacs are more aware than they look. They know their image is wild. They use it. When they 4-bet a player who's been 3-betting them back, they're occasionally doing it with the nuts knowing the 3-bettor will call or 5-bet shove. Don't fall for your own image of him.

The adjustment

Treat his 4-bet with respect unless you're at the top of your range. Fold JJ and below. Call or shove only with QQ+ and AK. Don't let his image make you spew.

What it's worth

5-bet shoving KQo into a maniac's 4-bet and running into aces because you assumed he was bluffing costs you a full stack. Slow down. He knows what he's doing sometimes.