PokerRules

Poker straddle: a voluntary blind that doubles the stakes

A straddle is an optional blind bet, usually twice the big blind, posted before the cards are dealt. The straddler acts last before the flop and can raise even if everyone calls.

Reviewed Oct 14, 2026

Answer first

90s

Game	Small blind	Big blind	Straddle
$1/$2	$1	$2	$4
$2/$5	$2	$5	$10
$5/$10	$5	$10	$20

Key numbers

The straddle in four numbers

2×Usual straddle sizeTwice the big blind

LastPreflop actionThe straddler acts last

BlindPosted before cardsA bet without seeing a hand

Room ruleDecides itNot every room allows it

In short

Key takeaways

A straddle makes the pot bigger before anyone sees cards.
The straddler gets the option to act last preflop, but plays the hand out of position after the flop.
Straddles effectively turn a $1/$2 game into a $2/$4 game with shorter stacks.
Rooms set rules on who can straddle and whether more than one is allowed.

Cheat sheet

A straddled pot

Glance the faces — compare in one second.

1Small blind $1
Acts before the big blind
2Big blind $2
No longer last to act
3Straddle $4
Last to act preflop

Types of straddle

Type	Who posts	Preflop action starts
Under the gun	Player left of big blind	Player left of straddler
Mississippi	Button (where allowed)	Player left of big blind; button acts last
Re-straddle	Next player, double again	Left of the last straddle

Each room posts its own rules.

How the action changes

Without a straddle, the big blind acts last preflop. With one, the straddler does. Calling now costs the straddle amount.

After the flop, normal order returns: the small blind acts first and the button last.

Sequence

Posting a straddle

Step 01
Check the house rule
Ask the dealer if straddles are allowed.
Step 02
Put chips out before the deal
Say "straddle".
Step 03
Wait for action
Everyone must call the straddle or raise.
Step 04
Act last preflop
You may check or raise if no one raised.

Is straddling good?

Straddling means putting money in without cards and in a weak seat. For most players, it is a small long-run loss.

Some players straddle to change a game’s tone or to build action in a loose room. That can pay if opponents play worse in bigger pots.

Stack depth and straddles

A straddle halves the effective stack in big blinds. A $200 stack at $1/$2 is 100 big blinds; with a $4 straddle, it plays like 50.

Shorter stacks favor simpler play and fewer big bluffs.

Floor rules

Straddle terms

Know before you sit

Straddle: An optional blind of twice the big blind.
Live straddle: A straddle that keeps the option to raise.
Mississippi straddle: A straddle posted from the button.
Re-straddle: A second straddle double the first.

A straddle hand in practice

At $1/$2, the under-the-gun player posts $4. Three players call, and the action reaches the straddler with $17 in the pot.

The straddler can check and see a flop, or raise to build a bigger pot. After the flop, they act early, which is the cost of the straddle.

Common mistakes

Straddling every hand: Posting blind money every orbit adds a steady cost.
Forgetting stack depth: Bigger pots mean your stack is shorter in blinds. Adjust hand choices.
Assuming every room allows it: Some rooms ban straddles or allow only under-the-gun ones.
Misreading the action order: The straddler acts last preflop, then the order returns to normal.

Straddles and the rake

Bigger preflop pots often reach the rake cap faster. In raked games, that can make the straddle slightly cheaper per pot for the table.

For an individual player, the blind cost still outweighs that effect.

Keep reading

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After the 90 seconds

Questions before and after you play

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01Basics

What is a straddle in poker?

An optional blind bet, usually twice the big blind, posted before cards are dealt. The straddler acts last before the flop.

Who can straddle?

Usually the player to the left of the big blind. Some rooms also allow button straddles, called Mississippi straddles.

Is a straddle a raise?

It acts like a raise for calling purposes. Players must call the straddle to stay in the hand.

02Strategy

Should I straddle?

For most players it is a small loss over time, because you invest money blind and from a weak seat after the flop.

Does a straddle change the game?

Yes. Pots get bigger, stacks shorter in blind terms, and many players loosen up.

Can I raise after straddling?

Yes, in a live straddle. If no one raises, you may check or raise when action reaches you.

03Rules

Can there be more than one straddle?

Some rooms allow re-straddles, each doubling the last. Others cap at one. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.

Are straddles allowed in tournaments?

Almost never. Straddles are a cash-game practice. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.

Do online poker rooms allow straddles?

Some regulated US sites offer optional straddles at selected tables; many do not.

Sources

PokerNews — Straddle From the press (News report, not an official registry. Used for dates and events only.) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Poker terms
Robert’s Rules of Poker Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Common cardroom rules
UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER