Straddling 3 handed

[Dread13]

When it gets down to 3 handed does it become correct to always straddle? You get to have the button when you do it, so it seems worth it to me. But I wonder what you guys think.

I recently played a live game that got down to 3 handed, and when it did both other players straddled every hand.

I guess that means you should do it?

[creedofhubris]

[ QUOTE ]
When it gets down to 3 handed does it become correct to always straddle? You get to have the button when you do it, so it seems worth it to me. But I wonder what you guys think.

I recently played a live game that got down to 3 handed, and when it did both other players straddled every hand.

I guess that means you should do it?

[/ QUOTE ]

This would belong in poker theory if the answer weren't very simple.

The answer is, yes. You should do it.

[Percula]

Many rooms will not allow a straddle when three handed.

I would not do it unless the other two players really are players. Most B&M players hate SH play, then add the extra pressure of a straddle every time they are out of position, you will be looking for a new game in short order.

From a strategy point of view, if the other players are up for it, then yes, every hand and raise often too.

[Diana Ross Fan]

[ QUOTE ]
Many rooms will not allow a straddle when three handed.

I would not do it unless the other two players really are players. Most B&M players hate SH play, then add the extra pressure of a straddle every time they are out of position, you will be looking for a new game in short order.

From a strategy point of view, if the other players are up for it, then yes, every hand and raise often too.

[/ QUOTE ]

If they are good players then you don't really need to play them 3 handed. But you raise an important point. Scary_Tiger told me that it's always right to straddle when 3-handed. So I do it maybe only half of the time so the opponents won't pick up on it being the right thing to do.

[Toonces]

Are people sure it's right to do it even in limit poker? Stox's table said it's only right to raise your button on about 40% of the hands unimpeded. Is the added position really worth the other 60%? Perhaps...

[Percula]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Many rooms will not allow a straddle when three handed.

I would not do it unless the other two players really are players. Most B&M players hate SH play, then add the extra pressure of a straddle every time they are out of position, you will be looking for a new game in short order.

From a strategy point of view, if the other players are up for it, then yes, every hand and raise often too.

[/ QUOTE ]

If they are good players then you don't really need to play them 3 handed. But you raise an important point. Scary_Tiger told me that it's always right to straddle when 3-handed. So I do it maybe only half of the time so the opponents won't pick up on it being the right thing to do.

[/ QUOTE ]

Its rare to find really/truly good players live. Honestly I would rather play 3 handed or HU with "good" players that can laydown middle pair than the average tourist that cant laydown ace high. After all how many times are you really going to have the best hand at showdown playing this short and playing at a minimum every third hand?

Playing SH live is about picking up lots of small pots, not waiting to play a large pot to stack the other player(s).

[Diana Ross Fan]

I can't imagine playing nl shorthanded because the blinds are so low in comparison to the stacks. Maybe if your opponents give a lot of action.

[MitchL]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Many rooms will not allow a straddle when three handed.

I would not do it unless the other two players really are players. Most B&M players hate SH play, then add the extra pressure of a straddle every time they are out of position, you will be looking for a new game in short order.

From a strategy point of view, if the other players are up for it, then yes, every hand and raise often too.

[/ QUOTE ]

If they are good players then you don't really need to play them 3 handed. But you raise an important point. Scary_Tiger told me that it's always right to straddle when 3-handed. So I do it maybe only half of the time so the opponents won't pick up on it being the right thing to do.

[/ QUOTE ]

Its rare to find really/truly good players live. Honestly I would rather play 3 handed or HU with "good" players that can laydown middle pair than the average tourist that cant laydown ace high. After all how many times are you really going to have the best hand at showdown playing this short and playing at a minimum every third hand?

Playing SH live is about picking up lots of small pots, not waiting to play a large pot to stack the other player(s).

[/ QUOTE ]

Lol at laying down middle pair head up. These are not good players you are playing against.

[PantsOnFire]

Let me ask you this. At a full ring table, do you always min-raise blind on the button when it's folded to you?

[KCFire105]

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Let me ask you this. At a full ring table, do you always min-raise blind on the button when it's folded to you?

[/ QUOTE ]

If that's meant as a snide remark, your not comparing apples to apples. A straddle is live and inducing more action. The casinos I frequent don't allow it anyway.