The player who told you his bad beat story before the cards were even dealt is already on tilt. He didn't come here fresh - he came here to get even.

Why they do it

Players who lead with bad beat stories are emotionally loaded before the session starts. They're not thinking clearly, they're not adjusting, and they're going to make at least one big emotional call or shove before the night is over. Just wait for it.

The adjustment

Don't bluff him. He's in get-even mode and he'll call wider than normal. Value bet everything and let him pay you off while he's still processing whatever happened to him last session.

What it's worth

An emotionally loaded player who can't fold is one of the best value targets at the table. This is where you make your session if you're patient enough to wait for a hand.