Whoever manages/runs the game (sends out the invites, etc.) makes the rules..usually happens to be the host as well, but not always.
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Straddling? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter trigs
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Whoever manages/runs the game (sends out the invites, etc.) makes the rules..usually happens to be the host as well, but not always.
ssanel54
Flush
Can we move on to discuss the advantage of running it twice?
Seriously, I play in a circus game with @MatB and others who regularly straddle. I will on occasion, but much prefer looking at my cards and then raising. You don’t need premium cards to do this considering they were betting blind. If your not deep, then tighten your range.
Seriously, I play in a circus game with @MatB and others who regularly straddle. I will on occasion, but much prefer looking at my cards and then raising. You don’t need premium cards to do this considering they were betting blind. If your not deep, then tighten your range.
I like running it twice...usually.
If straddles were not part of the normal game as communicated to your group then 100% of the players would need to be in favor to add them after the game has started and vice versa. Otherwise, announce straddles in advance of the game so every knows then players can make their choices as to whether or not to come.
Cackalacka Slim
High Hand
I'm a little surprised at how many people appear to have such black and white views of straddling. Maybe someone's doing it because they're reckless or may they want to cultivate a certain image to exploit later. Or maybe the same person will do it for both reasons at different times. People are weird. I'm reticent to put that much stock in the meaning behind the practice.
My only complaint (if you want to call it that) of the anti-straddlers is their reasoning feels one dimensional.
And like you said, maybe it isn't even a strategy, maybe it is.
And not to put too much stock into it either, but we are playing a game, wouldn't you want to understand or use all means at your disposal to play that game?
The blinders on "it raises the stakes and lessers the skill of the game" way of thinking, feels like a pretty stubborn view in an ever evolving strategic game of cards.
Rhodeman77
Straight Flush
I don’t have a problem with a single UTG straddle of double the BB (or $5 in a $1/2 game). Where I have a problem with it is when there are 3+ straddles and the only decision is to go all in or fold preflop because the amount of money in the pot already and what is left behind in stacks dictate it. If it happens once or twice a night, fine I’ll deal with it. But if it is a regular occurrence then I’m probably looking to get out of the game.
The exception would be if it was something like a 25/50c blinds game that had a few straddles to $4 ($5) and everyone was still 200 BB deep then that is normal $1/2 game anyways that just had too small of blinds.
I still don’t like button straddles though, it gives too much advantage to the Button.
The exception would be if it was something like a 25/50c blinds game that had a few straddles to $4 ($5) and everyone was still 200 BB deep then that is normal $1/2 game anyways that just had too small of blinds.
I still don’t like button straddles though, it gives too much advantage to the Button.
I agree. I need to get my group to stop allowing button straddles. Bad for the game.
omgwtfpewpew
Pair
I do love some straddling UTG. I dont get the button straddle.
Random question: is straddling a thing in limit poker? Would it count as a raise of the small bet or would it double the stakes for the hand? Not trying to argue for the merits of it (which seem to be covered in this thread), just curious of the mechanics of how it would work, if at all...
Venturalvn
Full House
In limit played in casinos I've only ever seen this bet allowed as a blind raise and not a straddle.
Chippy McChiperson
Straight Flush
It is a thing in limit poker (at least at Maryland Live) and makes it so there's an opportunity for 1 more bet before the betting is capped pre-flop.
Some casinos allow a button straddle. I hate it. I have never seen an UTG straddle in a casino but I am sure that some allow it.
Never run it more than once. Never! I mean never EVER! Ok... maybe when.... nope... changed my mind... back to NEVER!
Steve Birrer
Two Pair
Late to the thread but just read through it. Been playing in a game lately that allows straddles and probably half the hands ended up with a straddle and sometimes two. Going to make sure for my next cash game that players know upfront there will be no straddles. It all boils down to one thing.
If I want to play a higher stakes game then I'll play a higher stakes game. All straddling does is artificially raise the stakes of the game. Let say you are playing a low key .25/.50 NLHE and allow straddles. UTG straddles for $1. There is now $1.75 in dead money in the pot compared to $0.75 without straddles. So you have artificially more than doubled the true stakes of the game. So then an early position player min raises to $2 and by the time it gets to a player in late position he has to put in 4bb just to see the flop with but a single raiser. If you want to play $1/$2 great, just make those the stakes.
There is no right or wrong answer but for me they are going to be a no go.
If I want to play a higher stakes game then I'll play a higher stakes game. All straddling does is artificially raise the stakes of the game. Let say you are playing a low key .25/.50 NLHE and allow straddles. UTG straddles for $1. There is now $1.75 in dead money in the pot compared to $0.75 without straddles. So you have artificially more than doubled the true stakes of the game. So then an early position player min raises to $2 and by the time it gets to a player in late position he has to put in 4bb just to see the flop with but a single raiser. If you want to play $1/$2 great, just make those the stakes.
There is no right or wrong answer but for me they are going to be a no go.
Legend5555
Full House
I allow straddles and double straddles. But they don't occur super often. And we generally are playing 100bb+ deep with the straddle. What I don't allow is button straddles. If you allow them, then there is no reason you shouldn't be doing it. It's a MAJOR advantage. And it really punishes weaker players. And I like to keep my games fun and friendly, even though I'm generally always gunning to play my best.
If i'm in a game that allows button straddles, then as long as i'm 100bb+ deep with the straddle, i'll generally always do it. It depends a bit on how large people are generally opening though. If it's so large that it limits what i'm going to be able to do anyway, then I won't straddle, even from the button, just because the variance is a little too high for me at that point.
Polochris
Flush
Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t a general straddle always UTG?
Nope. Mississippi straddle gives priority to the button and works backwards.
Polochris
Flush
gopherblue
Straight Flush
I last longer when straddling is involved.
You’re welcome, Out-of-Contexters
No, that's a Mississippi straddle. Typically when you just use the term straddle it means an UTG straddle. There is also the less common sleeper straddles that also have a different set of rules as well.
Polochris
Flush
Exactly. So to the OP a GENERAL straddle is always UTG. Basic straddle is essentially a 3rd blind. I’m not taking about Mississippi or any other type of straddles.
Legend5555
Full House
Did you actually read the OP? It specifically asks if people allow button straddles.
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