Straddle -- How Much?

[Headhunter13]

In a NLHE cash game, can the straddle be more than twice the BB?

We have a 2-5 NLHE cash game, and typically have people straddle for the usual $10. Could they straddle for more? If so, what is the minimum raise? (Say they straddled for $25 ... what is the minimum raise ... $50 or $45?)

Thanks in advance,

--Headhunter

[Rottersod]

Interesting question. I guess it would be based on the rules for that casino. The standard straddle is 2x the big blind since that is the minimum raise. I'm not sure why it would be permitted to allow a higher straddle but I couldn't say for sure that this can't happen.

[Blizzardbaum]

think of a straddle as a bet in the dark. there is no reason the UTG player couldn't call all-in before the cards were dealt.

[Chipr777]

A straddle can't be more then twice the BB.

[Brad1970]

Ahhhh....the Mississippi straddle.

It is always 2x the BB. Action starts to the left of the straddle. The straddle then has the option of raising the straddle.

The min raise of the straddle is same as the house rules for any raise.

Get a bunch of action junkies who like to straddle in a 2/5 NL game & the pots will get MASSIVE.

[bav]

For the straddle to be live so the straddler gets last action, you can't allow it to be of unlimited size. 2x the BB is it. If he wants to blind raise and not get last action pre-flop, fine...but then it's not a live straddle.

Doesn't mean there isn't a casino somewhere that allows this, of course.

[TheWorstPlayer]

they allow this wherever i was playing last in a big east coast city card room. i honestly forget which room it was, but they were allowing people to straddle up to $10, $20, whatever, in a 1/2 game...

[Rottersod]

[ QUOTE ]
think of a straddle as a bet in the dark. there is no reason the UTG player couldn't call all-in before the cards were dealt.

[/ QUOTE ]

A straddle isn't really the same as a dark bet because it allows the straddler to have the last action pre-flop. IOW, the straddler takes the place of the BB.

[CSuave]

The straddle is a third blind.

[AlienBoy]

Interestingly, In Los Angeles, you can generally straddle in No Limit games, but not in limit games, and you can do a single straddle.

In Las Vegas, it seems you can straddle almost anywhere, and some rooms allow re-straddles, meaning the next person can straddle the straddle (If I am not mistaken the re-straddle is 3X the BB). I've heard of crazy tables where people restraddle all the way to the button.


In Washington State, the casinos I've visited allow straddles in LIMIT but NOT in No Limit. WTF?!


AB