Re: What to do?
First, as long as you are just beginning I would recommend the NL games instead of the limit games as you can have a much bigger edge long term.
In a limit game, the way to play a maniac is to 3-bet him every time you have anything playable at all. Don't just call him - reraise him. Otherwise, you are giving him a free money situation (i.e., he steals enough free money that it doesnt matter when someone calls him). Of course, in a tourney you need to be aware of the current situation when you go after him.
Maniacs are tough to play against and some of the best NL tourney players are nuts (just watch the World Poket Tour on Wednesdays to see).
Finally, get out of the play games. There are some really low entry games on Poker Stars that you can get into. Play money will not give you enough of a realistic feel for the game.
Good Luck
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