I always try to be polite...but sometimes it's hard when you just can't seem to crack a maniac. If someone raises every hand regardless of cards, you wait for a hand to call. You get your hand - say KK - and end up losing to his Q5o. After a few of those, it's hard to remain polite.
But I try.
I'm like the orig poster. I want them to keep playing because generally you'll find a spot to get your money back. I hate when someone else beats them on hand where the fish shouldn't have been in on. Say the fish has bottom pair and loses to TPTK, the winner will say something like "good move donk". Next think you know the fish leaves. I'd rather just say NH or nothing...keep the fish at the table.
To the one guy that said everyone here must be poker experts - I have a LOOOOONG way to go. I am still a novice. But I'm not a fish. When I first started playing a lot (about a year ago for
real money), it was all live. I didn't know what I was doing. I'd do good sometimes and horrible others. I wasn't playing with knowledge. just instinct. Then I started reading and learning, and getting serious. Then I started playing as much or more online than live. The degree with which I've improved is astounding. But what I don't know could still fill the grand canyon.
So, I'd say I can play to a level where I know a lot more than just the rules. Therefore, when I see a fish play, I can recognize and I have the patience to try to outlast them and take the money back. But, that's not to say I can't make donk/fish moves too. I think every player can still make donk moves. I was just reading in the new
bluff Mag a story by Phil Laak where he got caught twice in one week playing a QX suited hand and he talks about how his opp could have said "that Phil is a real donkey".
So everyone can lose chips on bad plays...but the ones that make bad plays and don't know it, don't recognize, and will continue to do it are the ones I love - the fish/donkeys. The ones that like to "gamble".
We like to talk about poker as a skill game - and I think it is. But all skill can do is put you in the right positions based on
odds. Luck can override odds. But those of us that know a little / or lot about the game try to play with the odds (based on other variables like reads) and always try to get our chips in when we have an edge in the odds. Donkeys/fish don't. They will consistently put their chips in whether they are a 'dog or not. Give them to me...put me at a table with them. I'll lose some pots on bad beats, but I'll win more in the long run.
That's why I say, if there is a donkey/fish at your table - don't insult them or drive them away. Keep them there!!! I've done what someone said above - I could have KK against say JJ and pull a K to make a set and I'll be "srry man, just got lucky". Encourage them, tell them something was a good play even when it wasn't...they'll lose and reload!!!
But, depending on the person, I'll help also. Again, I'm a novice, but I'm 31 and mature - I've read and read and read and played and played and played. I'm in live league where I've been to everyone of our final tables and I love to play. What I know, I'll pass along. If a fish keeps losing but is cordial, polite, asking questions, and trying to learn - I'll engage in conversation and give pointers. If someone is quiet, rude, or just downright
gambling (raising EVERY hand) I'll fold fold fold and get a hand and crack them. Then compliment them and hope they reload.
I'm not a pro - but I'm not a donk/fish either.
