Straddle Rule in Cash Games (1 Viewer)

[SkyBlue]

On TV I have noticed that some of the cash games can only straddle to the left of the big blind. At our home game, I told the other players this but they said at the Casino you can straddle at any position, whenever you want. Is this true for most cash games or does it vary depending on location?

 

[TheOffalo]

It's all based on house/casino rules. Most that I've seen do only allow an initial straddle under-the-gun (left of BB), and some places then allow the next player to double-straddle, etc. Some places allow button straddles, others allow straddles at any position, a.k.a. "Mississippi" straddles.

 

[jamesjkim]

Your home, your rules.

I’ve played where there’s a live straddle on the winner of the previous pot. Essentially makes the game 2x bigger… I didn’t like this. You’re allowed to decline the straddle but then you become that guy.

 

[TheRealTeddyKGB]

You’re allowed to decline the straddle but then you become that guy.

 

[Nanook]

100% dependent on whatever the house rules are. I have played in various Card rooms allowing all of the above mentioned "local rule" as far as straddle goes.

 

[springbox]

Card rooms around me allow either UTG straddle, or button straddle. Personally I'm not a fan of button straddle, as it makes the blinds even worse to be in and encourages nittier play. Typically straddling from any position is called the Mississippi straddle, and I'm not a huge fan of that either. UTG straddle preservers the natural flow of the game so it's the least disruptive.

 

[RagingAZN]

We do straddles left of the BB and double, triple etc is allowed. Most private games here run with that.

But as the others have said, your game, your rules!

 

[joeyshin]

I let my wife straddle in different positions.

 

[pltrgyst]

IMO, straddles are unnecessary. If you need to change the blinds, do so. Otherwise, you risk losing players who came to play at the stated stakes, and don't want to -- or can't -- play higher.

IMO, straddles make NLHE even less attractive as a game.

My house rule for over twenty years was "No straddles".

 

[ekricket]

Consistently straddling in any game with a rake is just not smart - especially if people have no idea why they are doing it except “they saw it on tv”.

Casinos laugh all the way to the bank dealing these games.

 

[krafticus]

we allow straddles to the left of the button, and to the left of the straddle all of the way around to the button. I don't straddle much any more, as it is just -EV. I find that even more true in the casino. MD Live only allows 1 straddle to the left of the button. ($6 in the $1-$3 game)

 

[AWenger]

Is this true for most cash games or does it vary depending on location?

It varies on location. Most home games I've played in allowed straddles either from UTG or on the Button, but not from other positions in between.

Most of these games also allowed re-straddles, so if UTG straddles, then UTG-1 could double straddle, etc.

Years ago, Planet Hollywood in Vegas, (when they still had a poker room) had some unique straddle rule, in their 1/2 game. If I recall correctly, they would allow straddles from the button, but it had to be exactly $10, (or was it $15?), no straddle to $4 or $6, or any other amount.

 

[KHarp1]

A straddle is maybe the dumbest thing I've ever seen in poker...right of there with mirrored sunglasses.

 

[Chippy McChiperson]

Sometimes you need to throw on a straddle to get the game out of the muck

 

[Machine]

While I know you've gotten your answer...

This is one of the best questions, Yes at casino's (in your locale) you can straddle from anywhere!

A straddle is often considered a bad move, with exception more recently as not so bad on the button. I prefer a Mississippi straddle, and dislike anything else, except maybe a 'rock' but that's a story for another post

 

[Coyote]

NO straddles in my house.

 

[BonScot]

NO straddles in my house.

Maybe one day you’ll meet the right girl and all that will change

 

[snakster1966]

I generally discourage the straddle at my home game. I do like to have a $2 rock in play for my .25-.50 game. That brings some fun without essentially turning it into a higher stakes game that might turn some people off.

 

[Tablemaker]

A good way around this is to have a straddle rock. Bundle up a few chips and make it a unique thing on the table, then whoever wins the straddle rock pot has to straddle next time they are under the gun. This can get out of hand quick with multiple rocks, but one is usually just fine. I've played in games with 5 rocks, and if you get all five you win a bonus from every player, but this is not universally loved as tighter players can almost never win and only lose the bonus. This idea is always pushed by the local maniac.

 

[snakster1966]

A good way around this is to have a straddle rock. Bundle up a few chips and make it a unique thing on the table, then whoever wins the straddle rock pot has to straddle next time they are under the gun. This can get out of hand quick with multiple rocks, but one is usually just fine. I've played in games with 5 rocks, and if you get all five you win a bonus from every player, but this is not universally loved as tighter players can almost never win and only lose the bonus. This idea is always pushed by the local maniac.

Yes, this. I have a bundle of $2 chips taped together to serve as the rock. I’ve not played with multiple Rocks. That sounds insane. And probably a very good time. That’s the type of thing that would be great after midnight. I’m going to file that one away for future reference.

 

[PokerJoe747]

I prefer a Mississippi straddle on the button! It truly is the best way to straddle on the poker table