Straddle
A straddle is an optional extra blind bet posted before the cards are dealt, usually by the player under the gun, normally twice the big blind. It raises the stakes for the hand, and the straddler often acts last before the flop.
The simple explanation
At some tables, a player can post a straddle of two big blinds before the cards are dealt. It forces the others to call a larger amount. In return, the straddler gets to act last before the flop.
A closer look
Straddles make the game bigger and deeper, and they create more action, so many live players like them. The straddle is a live bet, so the straddler can raise when the action returns. For the others, the cost of playing is higher, so hand values change: more hands are worth a call, since the pot is larger. Rules differ by room, so ask the dealer which straddles are allowed.
A practical example
At a $1/$2 game, the player under the gun posts a $4 straddle, so the bet to call is $4.
Full explanation
A straddle is an optional extra blind bet posted before the cards are dealt, usually by the player under the gun, normally twice the big blind. It raises the stakes for the hand, and the straddler often acts last before the flop.
A straddle is an extra blind posted before the cards are dealt.
It is usually twice the big blind and made by the player under the gun.
The straddler usually acts last before the flop.
Rules differ between rooms.