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

[mikesh]

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]

Some people like to gamble.

[bmwguy525]

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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.

[DonovanMD]

[ 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.

[pig4bill]

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]

What's "West Asian"?

[Dr. Detroit]

Post deleted by *TT*

[crashjr]

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.

[pokeriseasy]

I personally do it to create a false image, people see you straddling and assume you're there to gamble, and don't notice as much if you are playing tight. Also when you do wake up to a big a hand there is usually a lot of dead money in the pot and you can make a big raise and often times people won't believe you and play back at you.

[Clover362]

It's not only to gamble. It's also a way to get a game to play bigger. a 1/3 game becomes a 2/5. A 2/5 becomes a 5/10 and so on.