Question What is meant by "straddling" in a poker game and how is it performed ?
Answer Hi John: In Hold'em, a straddle bet is an optional and voluntary blind bet made by a player in the under-the-gun position (left of big blind) after posting the small and big blinds, but before cards are dealt.
Let's say you are playing a 3/6 Limit cash game of Texas Hold'em. You are at the button. The small blind puts up $1 and the big blind $3. Before the dealer hands out cards, the player under the gun (to the left of the big blind) puts in $6. That's a "live straddle bet." It must be a raise, not a call. Players that act after him must call the raise, fold, or raise the bet themselves. The under the gun player, with his straddle bet, is now the option player and gets to act last in the pre-flop round. If no one else raises (i.e., someone calls) the straddle bet player can raise again. If the casinos allow it, the player to the left of the live straddle bet, can also pop in a straddle re-raise to $9.
Straddles are typically used only in cash games. Straddles are normally not permitted in tournament formats. They are not permitted in Atlantic City either. Some casinos, such as Mississippi, allow anyone -- not just UTG -- to make a straddle bet. Personally, I think it is an idiotic play, raising in the blind and getting dealt a 7-2 off-suit. What's the straddler going to do when someone in early position 3-bets him? I guess the only thing it does is dissuade some marginal hands like pocket deuces or 76s from putting in $6, when they would gladly call for $3. (Kind of like what happens when there is a Kill pot).
