Hi Andy,

I watched the WPT episode where Gus Hansen knocked you out at the final table. Gus went on to win that event and apparently won another tour event as well. From the hands I saw Gus play during the final table, he appears to play a hyper-aggressive style: often bluffing, and often coming in with terrible cards. Clearly, he's had success with this approach, despite the fact that many of his plays are so far from conventional that he might be described as a "maniac" in a typical poker game.

What aspect of Gus's game do you think allows him to get away with playing worse hands than his opponents? I can think of two possibilities:

1) He is more skilled at reading his opponents, and therefore can capitalize on his reads by stealing pots when he senses weakness and getting out of the way when he is against a strong hand

2) His style of play takes other pros out of their "comfort zone", such that in trying to adjust to his aggressive style of play, his opponents make big mistakes. (Probably the mistakes will take the form of calling too often, including times when Gus is a strong favorite)

It would seem that if point 2 is a significant factor, then the good players will eventually learn to avoid those mistakes and Gus will lose his edge. Rather than just focus on Gus, do you think any player can successfully play a hyper-aggressive style with long-term success, or will other, tighter players eventually win out once they make the proper adjustments?

I am by no means a pro. I started playing HoldEm just 6 months ago. I've watched Gus' play & really admire the guy. It's what poker is all about. ANYONE can get lucky, but Gus actually uses skill in his play. He IS a maniac, but sometimes you have to be. I play mostly multi-table tournys at Bugsysclub.com. Usually the $5-$10 tournys with an average of 100-120 entrants. I have a very high win ratio & make the final table 9 out of 10 times. When I don't win, I usually finish in the $$$. Here's my 2 cents on your questions:
1) He is more skilled at reading his opponents, and therefore can capitalize on his reads by stealing pots when he senses weakness and getting out of the way when he is against a strong hand

>This is a very important aspect when "stealing" pots. That's why I play at Bugsy's mostly. I know most of the players & their game. Knowing a player & being able to read him makes it easy to capitalize on his weaknesses.

2) His style of play takes other pros out of their "comfort zone", such that in trying to adjust to his aggressive style of play, his opponents make big mistakes. (Probably the mistakes will take the form of calling too often, including times when Gus is a strong favorite)

>Another important aspect about being an aggressive player (as I am). People do not know how to read me. I saw Gus take a pot once (on WPT) with 3 5 os from a player holding QQ1010. It was a brilliant play. I've done the same myself. Please don't misunderstand, I am NOT placing myself in the same class as Gus or any other pro, but getting a read on your opponent can open some pretty tite doors. Aggressiveness scares the hell out of people. When I first started playing at Bugsy's, I used to "show" my cards after the hand. They realized I was bluffing & this, also, opened the door for when I had a strong hand. They just don't know how to play me there & they're scared. I no longer show my hands, which makes them even more fearful. "Did he or didn't he?"

All in all, I am a great admirer of Gus Hanson & have learned alot from him. What I've learned most is, you will win more pots & more tournys with aggressiveness & maniacal play than you will with a strong hand. Maybe some people wouldn't agree with me, but this is what works for me. Every poker player I've talked to says "Gus Hanson would scare the hell out of me if I had to sit to his right". You WANT people afraid of you at the table. Works for me!
-Hitman-
PS: Try out bugsysclub.com