Gambling terms, explained straight

Poker

Straddle poker rules

A straddle is an optional blind bet placed after the blinds but before any cards are dealt, typically by the player to the left of the big blind, giving that player the right to act last on the first betting round.

Typical size
Twice the big blind or the size of a normal raise over the big blind12
When it is posted
Before cards are dealt, making it a live bet that increases the starting stake13
Where allowed
Mainly cash games with fixed blinds; rarely in tournaments or online12

Key points

  • The straddler acts last in the first betting round but gets the option to raise again when action returns.21
  • Some games let the straddle increase the minimum betting limits for that round.21
  • Live straddles may be prohibited by some casinos or jurisdictions.1

Where this term is used

Poker Poker betting rules Covers the standard betting actions and structures used in poker games. Poker Pl o poker rules Explains the rules for Pot-Limit Omaha, a variant where straddles may appear. Poker Poker rules dealer Describes the dealer's role and responsibilities in a poker hand. Poker Poker dealing rules Details the procedures for dealing cards in poker games. Poker Poker raise rules Explains the rules for raising, including minimum raise amounts and re-raises. Poker Poker hold em rules Covers the rules of Texas hold 'em, the most common game for straddles.

Sources

  1. Betting in poker en.wikipedia.org Provides the definition, typical straddle size, and where straddles are allowed.
  2. Card Games: Poker Betting pagat.com Confirms the straddle size, how it is posted, and the acting order.
  3. ROBERTS RULES OF POKER pagat.com Supports the live bet nature and the option to act again when action returns.

Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.

Written and maintained by Ellis Warrender, writer and maintainer.

Last updated 28 July 2026. Spotted an error? Tell me and it gets fixed and logged on the corrections page.