Re: Benifits of the straddle
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I average about 6bb/hr live. Putting 2bb into the pot on every orbit (in addition to my blinds) where I will usually fold to any raise, and play OOP in any unraised pot seems like a great way to put a serious dent in my win rate. ...
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If you play that level of ABC poker, yes, don't straddle. If you can't raise 72o offsuit confidently, don't straddle. If you can, profit.
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However, I kind of like it when others straddle. I lets the pot play bigger when I have good hands. Sometimes, if the straddler likes to over-raise his straddle a lot, I can even deep limp with AA and kill the straddler when he over-raises with 77-AA/AJ+.
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You like it when others straddle,and feel it adds to your win rate but you won't do anything to encourage it? Why not ask the entire table to straddle? Is that -EV? Obviously not.
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Also, metagame is overrated at most live games. The solid regulars won't be fooled. The gambling LAGs and social calling stations won't notice.
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Even solid players will remember some of the crazy hands you raised from the straddle, esp. while they are pondering a call when you go all in with the nuts. And don't you want to encourage the gambling LAGs to gamble more? Is this the poker theory or the remedial poker forum?
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Straddling blind isn't as good as other means of mixing up your game for "metagame" purposes vs people with whom you play regularly.
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It may not be in most games, but when you are in a game with three or four other bad players who will straddle if you straddle, it's ++++++++++++++EV.
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