Here at areallybigfish.com we get a lot of emails from readers asking us to go over playing strategy, rating online poker rooms and poker books, and who coined the phrase “hookers and blow”, but every once in a while we seen questions that kind of skirt the line and are forced to make a ruling, this is one of them.
A Straddle is a bet placed by the player who is Under the Gun (UTG), in most cases, the player to the left of the Big Blind (BB). The Straddle must be at least the size of the minimum raise allowed in the game, so in the case of a game with a $10 BB, the Straddle must be at least $20, and essentially becomes the new Big Blind, or Bigger Blind.
The next Player to act after that, ie. UTG+1 could also re-straddle by placing a $40 bet if he wanted to.
Why straddle?
Well, in a tight game this may get some more money on the table for one, in a short handed game it may also possibly be able to buy you the button, and the right to act last in the first hand.
Imagine a game with 5 Players and $5/$10 Blinds
UTG Places a $20 Straddle, and UTG+1 who is also because the table is short handed in the cutoff places a re-straddle to $40.
The Button folds becasue he is now acting UTG and has to call a 4Bet with everyone still to act behind him, giving UTG+1 the button and the right to act last in the first round also.
Straddles are allowed in most cash games in casinos, though not in tournament games. Straddles are not allowed in Atlantic City though.
What’s the difference between a Straddle and a Live Straddle?
Well, here is the dispute.
While not specifically mentioned, a Straddle is considered to be “live” meaning, that even if no one raises the Blind, the person who Straddles still has the option of raising the hand when the action returns to them. They have essentially bought the right to act last in the hand.
Why do they have both terms then?
Not sure exactly, but there are two other bets than may shed some light on it.
Mississippi Straddle
A Mississippi Straddle is one made from any position before the cards are dealt, it is considered to be a “live” Straddle and is not allowed in many casinos.
Sleeper Bet
A Sleeper bet is one similar to a Mississippi straddle in the sense it may be place in any position, though this bet is not “live” meaning there is not right to raise in this position if the action is just folded or called around to the hand. Sleeper bets, because they are not live are allowed in most casinos.
So, the official ruling is: Straddles are all considered to be “live” and the term Live Straddle is now deemed to be redundant.