I don't understand the point of straddling...

mikesh · #1 07-20-2007, 01:24 AM

I just played my first time in a B&M casino, 1/2 NL $200 max buy-in, and I couldn't believe how many people liked to straddle. For the life of me, I can't figure out why they are doing this. Is there some sort of strategic advantage to betting blind in a poor position that I'm simply not seeing? The table was anything but tight (the standard pre-flop raise was about 10-12 times the BB. Is this the norm for live games as well?) so it's not like the straddle was there to get some action going. Any insight would be appreciated.

Biggle10 · #2 07-20-2007, 01:24 AM

Some people like to gamble.

bmwguy525 · #3 07-20-2007, 01:29 AM

[ QUOTE ]
the standard pre-flop raise was about 10-12 times the BB.

[/ QUOTE ]
This is most likely because of the straddle. If the table is tight, it'll loosen the game up. If the table is already loose, it's just to gambo.

pig4bill · #4 07-20-2007, 01:41 AM

You need two, "gambo gambo".

If it's a tight table, it puts pressure on the big blind - nobody gets a free flop. As last to act pre-flop, you can bet big and take down a bunch of limpers without a flop.

pig4bill · #5 07-20-2007, 01:43 AM

What's "West Asian"?

StevieG · #6 07-20-2007, 08:20 AM

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What's "West Asian"?

[/ QUOTE ]

Looking at the graphic's properties, it came from a Wikipedia article on Vancouver demographics.

This section of the article lists Iranians and Afghanis as examples of West Asians.

BrianBigNFun · #7 07-20-2007, 08:44 AM

I've honestly seen more straddling at the tables since High Stakes Poker came on the air, most of the donks dont even know why theyre doing it and probably do it because they think they're being cool. I even had one guy ask me recently if I wanted to run a turn and river twice when I had a huge 90/10 lead- I just looked at him funny and said "no thanks".

DonovanMD · #8 07-20-2007, 01:35 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I just played my first time in a B&M casino, 1/2 NL $200 max buy-in, and I couldn't believe how many people liked to straddle. For the life of me, I can't figure out why they are doing this. Is there some sort of strategic advantage to betting blind in a poor position that I'm simply not seeing? The table was anything but tight (the standard pre-flop raise was about 10-12 times the BB. Is this the norm for live games as well?) so it's not like the straddle was there to get some action going. Any insight would be appreciated.

[/ QUOTE ]

OP location: BC, Canada

Notice the significant amounts of yellow, red, green and orange on this pie chart.

Dr. Detroit · #9 07-20-2007, 01:53 AM

Post deleted by *TT*

crashjr · #10 07-20-2007, 01:59 AM

Please refer to JSD's guide for instructions on the purpose of the straddle. You will be amazed at how much you did not know about playing poker with a straddle.