villian loves the squeeze play to the point where the rec players leave the table

i would estimate he is squeezing in this spot over 1/4 of the time

question is: how can we combat this amd turn it into a profit

hero on 1k dealt A8

Hero opens to 20 in MP1, 1 call, v (covers) raises to 100 from sb

hero?

Generally combat this by: 1) sitting on villains left 2) mixing in some 4B bluffs to go with your value hands 3) loosen your 3b flatting range and out play him in position post flop.

While well intentioned, this is somewhat impractical advice - change seats, bluff more, outplay him post? Well of course, but the focus here is PF, changing seats isn't always an option, post flop is another story entirely.

Sure you can ho-hum 4b level value/bluff but it's not a reliable cure-all and difficult to pull off in a lot of live games.

Fold your weaker opens, open slightly tighter if you find you're squeezed too often, mix in calls/4b IP with the rest.

it all depends what types of hands he is using to squeeze with, how he reacts to 4b, how he plays his hands post; etc. probably not going to be a single solid answer here.

Amanaplan has the bread and butter advice, but just to add a trick to your game:

The most fun thing to do vs these guys is flat premiums ip as the non pfr

So tilty mc tilt opens mp and squeezy mc squeeze is otb, I'm 100% flatting AA in the CO. Don't go overboard ldo but look for spots that are going to be great squeeze spots for villain and flat all premiums in that spot.

Also in those same spots 3b some of your middle value range more instead of flatting (88-JJ,JTs-KQs type hands) as you need to nix the squeeze opportunity presented to villain.

A) i dont move to get position on any player. i find it rude and bad for the game.

B) i dont know about you but i dont get premiums very often. JJ+ AK AQ get dealt to me around once every couple hours. i had a session where i got dealt a bunch of premiums and flatted them all IP and v cbet large on every flop and folded all turns. i had AA QQ and AJs and flopped two low hearts with AJs so they were easy to play. So ive stacked v already for a couple k but i feel i may be missing value off his range by omly playing top hands

this hand is exactly in the middle so if all 3 options are available how do we size our 4 bet and do we like seeing the flop

if i call we might go 3 way...action doesnt close

I suggest you reconsider or come play to my immediate right.

4bet. tho i think its better to 4bet w/ something like A5/A4s over A8s generally - even though raw strength (that sklansky-chubikov 2 card rating thats based on the hand vs A2Cs) might be better w/ A8

Here is the thing - villain is in the SB so his squeeze range should be a little tougher than if he were in BB (was just discussing this in another hand recently) But if it really is upwards of 25% then you can probably add A8s in as a 4bet now and then. I also dont hate suited aces in position if original raiser calls, but if I felt like my opponent will run all over me post flop I would fold. However going MW forces the stronger opponent into a very tough spot post.

Additionally, as mentioned above, polarize a bit more - take some value hands out of your 3bet IP range and flat them with action man behind etc etc.

I dont think there is 1 single solution it is rather a collection of adjustments. Its going to make your normal game slightly less profitable as now you have to adjust your play for your opponent behind you as opposed to focusing on the easier money in front of you but doing so should force this guy to either go broke or make some changes themself.

oh also - to folks saying switch seats - that is really faux pas type stuff and can definitely ruin some dynamic w/ rec players etc etc if its a table of "professional poker playes" then by all means

If he's 3betting really wide start widening your call 3bets and 4bets. If he's only squeezing really wide then follow Avaritia's advice. Also don't forget to throw in some call a raise pre/4bet bluffs with hands like ATs, KQs, JTs if you're gonna call/4bet with some QQ+/AK.