During live poker games, a player may choose to straddle. A straddle is a voluntary blind bet that is placed before the cards are dealt. In most cases, the straddle is a small amount, usually half or quarter of the player’s minimum buy-in.
The straddle is placed after the big blind and before the cards are dealt. The straddler has the option to check, raise, or fold. A raise can be made before cards are dealt, and the player is not required to be the first to raise. If no other players call, the straddler may ignore his turn, but may not raise.
Some players use a straddle as a way to increase their odds of getting into a pot, while others do not. The straddle can be a good way to enrich the average pot size without an increase in the blinds.
The straddle is usually only permitted in cash games with fixed blind structures. Some cardrooms do not allow straddles in tournaments. Some casinos allow re-straddles, but they may require the original straddle be doubled. There are also some jurisdictions that prohibit live straddles.
In order to straddle, the player must post the small and big blind. The player to the left of the straddle is given the option to check or raise, and may be allowed to re-straddle if the original action is returned. The straddler is expected to be careful of his bets and to keep track of the betting action. Occasionally, a player loses track of the amount of bets he or she has made. The dealer or other player may be given the responsibility of keeping track of the current bet amount.