Cash Games: The Straddle

Cash Games, Betting Strategy
August 9 2008

Cash games allow for players to step outside the normal structure of a poker game. Tournaments have strict rules to follow and there’s no room for players to introduce something that might make the game more interesting. One thing a player can do to increase the action in a cash game is to put on a straddle. The straddle is a bet that’s at least twice the big blind, made by a player before the cards are dealt. It’s a bet in the dark, usually made by the player under the gun, to increase the action at the table.

The straddle is often frowned upon by some players at the table. Tight players are not comfortable in an aggressive game, so many won’t agree to straddle the hand when the rotation comes to them. Action players like the straddle because bluffs become more valuable when the pots are bigger.

You won’t be able to straddle a pot in every casino. The higher the limit of the game, the more likely you’ll be to see a straddle come into play. Some casinos will have limits on straddles, like which positions are allowed to make the bet. Most allow it from under the gun only, but you can straddle from any position in some states.

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