The most profitable player at any $1/$2 table is almost never the most obvious one. The quiet player in seat three who hasn't done anything crazy is usually the one who's been slowly stacking everyone.

Why they do it

At $1/$2 the loud players get the attention and the quiet ones get the money. The player who's been folding all night, picking his spots, and winning small pots consistently is the one to watch - and the one to avoid tangling with without a real hand.

The adjustment

Identify the quiet winner early and stay out of his way unless you have a premium. Let the table fight the loud players. You fight for position on the quiet one.

What it's worth

Avoiding unnecessary confrontations with the best player at the table saves you the biggest potential downswings of the session. Sometimes the most profitable play is just picking the right battles.