Tell me more ×
Poker Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for serious players and enthusiasts of poker. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 11 down vote favorite

I've seen this term used in various questions, but have no idea what it means, so could someone please define or explain it for me please?

share|improve this question
Please note that questions like this are answered by the poker terms question: poker.stackexchange.com/a/145/17 – Chris Marasti-Georg Jan 25 '12 at 14:34

2 Answers

up vote 4 down vote

A straddle is when someone takes the option of the big blind by putting in a bigger blind. For example, if we had $1-$2 blinds, the first person after the big blind could "straddle" by putting in a $4 blind. They not only raise the blinds but can take the last to act preflop position, if the straddle is "live".

share|improve this answer
up vote 8 down vote

A straddle refers to an extra blind bet made preflop. Typically, this is made by the first player after the big blind (e.g. the Under-the-gun player), however in some variants that is not the case (some allow the button to straddle; others allow straddles from any position on the table). In the end, it depends on the rules of the casino. In almost all situations, the player who makes the straddle is given the right to act last preflop. Postflop order of play is unaffected (and proceeds the same as it would if there were no straddle).

For more information on the types of straddles and when they might be useful, see http://www.parttimepoker.com/understanding-the-straddle-in-texas-holdem-poker-facts-thoughts-and-strategies

share|improve this answer
When done from a non under-the-gun position, it is known as a Mississippi straddle and it's quite popular in the southern United States. – msergeant Jan 25 '12 at 3:06
Sometimes. Another variant is the Indiana straddle. It depends largely on the order in which the positions get the chance to straddle. – Jeffrey Blake♦ Jan 25 '12 at 3:31
It is possible to make a sleeping straddle (as opposed to a live straddle). A sleeping straddle is a straddle made not under the gun and it only stands if no-one has raised the pot before the action reaches the straddler. If someone has raised in front of the player then the straddle is taken back. The intention of the sleeping straddle is to stop people from limping in before the straddler - since the straddler has already announced that there is a raise. – Lee Oades Jan 26 '12 at 11:43

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.