Straddle?

#1 11th August 2007, 8:25 AM

I've come across this term a few times recently (in relation to poker) - can anyone tell me what it means?

#2 11th August 2007, 8:29 AM

Straddle - Straddle - Poker Glossary

A straddle is a blind bet made by the person under the gun. A straddle bet is equivalent to two big blinds. The person who posts the straddle gets to bet last in the preflop round. A straddle is very ill-advised in a limit game because you are unnecessarily posting a large blind bet out of position. Straddles are more common for games such as pot limit Omaha, where the straddle acts to increase the stakes of the game.

#3 11th August 2007, 1:59 PM

OK, thanks

So it's something that's built into the structure of a particular game, or is it optional for the UTG player?

#4 11th August 2007, 3:24 PM

A straddle is completely optional and risky (for lack of a better word strategy).
As the definition Stormswa posted it is a blind bet wich is double the big blind in limit poker and a minimum of double the BB anywhere up to your whole stack in no limit. The next person to act may also re-straddle, that is re-raise the initial straddle (minimum of double the bet), also blind. The rules may be different in the US, but in the Sydney casino the UTG straddler does not get to bet last preflop (as the definition suggests) as the straddle is his bet, and if it is not raised he cannot bet again.

#5 12th August 2007, 8:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamond_06_06

The rules may be different in the US, but in the Sydney casino the UTG straddler does not get to bet last preflop (as the definition suggests) as the straddle is his bet, and if it is not raised he cannot bet again.

A 'straddle' is a live bet, where they DO get the option of acting last preflop. Anything else is simply a min raise in the dark, even if it's called a 'straddle' incorrectly.

#6 13th August 2007, 3:48 AM

Ah - right. So if you straddle, you're effectively buying the opportunity to act last preflop?

Think it makes sense now, thanks guys

#7 13th August 2007, 4:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aliengenius

A 'straddle' is a live bet, where they DO get the option of acting last preflop. Anything else is simply a min raise in the dark, even if it's called a 'straddle' incorrectly.

Oh ok, I was not aware. Next time I am at the casino would be curious to see what thier ruling on this will be (probably the wrong one).

Question - How can on straddle incorrectly? Or call a straddle incorrectly? My guess is that a straddle is a bet placed before any of the cards are dealt and a raise in the dark is done after the cards are dealt, but done so without looking at the cards. Is this the distinction made between being able to act last and not being able?

#8 13th August 2007, 5:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamond_06_06

Is this the distinction made between being able to act last and not being able?

Yes. A straddle is "live" and has the option to raise again preflop (even if there has been no raise, only calls of the straddle). If the poker room does not allow the last action preflop to the person to the left of the big blind who is posting chips in the amount of double the big blind, then I would consider that simply a raise in the dark.

Note that the reason someone could make a blind raise in this position is that the action is on them first; i.e., you can't raise blind (or straddle) from a random spot on the table.

It should also be pointed out that a straddle is not allowed in tournaments.

#9 13th August 2007, 5:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aliengenius

It should also be pointed out that a straddle is not allowed in tournaments.

Again was not aware of this, thanks Aliengenius. Am assuming it is the same for SnG's as it is for MTT's?

#10 13th August 2007, 5:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diamond_06_06

Again was not aware of this, thanks Aliengenius. Am assuming it is the same for SnG's as it is for MTT's?

Yes.

Similar Threads for: Straddle? > Texas Hold'em Poker
Thread	Replies	Last Post	Forum	Thread Starter
Is this a legal STRADDLE?	4	9th May 2012 10:47 PM	General Poker	cdidit622
Thoughts on the Straddle?	30	16th April 2012 9:31 PM	Cash Games	AceOfSpades24
Play A Hand With Me: AJo with a crazy straddle	12	6th December 2011 5:05 AM	Cash Games	msufan
Live Poker lingo, strategies, etiquette thread for	20	17th May 2011 6:12 PM	Cash Games	baudib1
Straddle	27	4th January 2011 7:58 PM	Learning Poker	danextkidpoker

Play Texas Hold'em Online Poker \| Straddle?
BetOnline Poker is a top online poker site accepting all US players with an INSTANT cash bonus of up to $900 FREE. It also has a casino and sports betting available.	PokerStars is one of the best places to play poker online. Use PokerStars marketing code CCHAT for a $600 bonus. Note: No US Players Accepted.