Types of Poker Bets: Poker Straddle and Sleeper Bets
It’s not an Earth-shattering revelation to find out that the act of betting is a major part of poker. What might actually be a surprise, however, is the number of different ways that a player can make a bet. And there are some bets that just aren’t that well known - two of the “lesser known” types of bets are straddle bets and sleeper bets.
A straddle bet is part of the “blind bet” family. It is an optional and voluntary bet that is made before the cards are dealt, and after players post any blind bets. Straddle bets are generally used in non-tournament cash games that have fixed blind structures. Ironically, using a straddle bet also depends on where a player chooses to game. Straddling is fine in Las Vegas, but isn’t allowed – by law - in Atlantic City (of course, almost anything goes in Vegas!)
There are two types of straddles: Live straddle, and Mississippi straddle (we assure you this isn’t getting raunchy). A Live Straddle is a blind bet that is usually placed by the player to the left of the big blind. The bet is “live”, so the person initiating the straddle becomes the bigger blind. If the action returns to the straddle without being raised, the straddle can try a raise, and the player to the left of the straddle may re-straddle, placing a blind bet raising the original straddle.
A Mississippi straddle is made by the “cut off” position, or by any player, depending on the house rules. Like a Live straddle, this straddle must have a minimum raise, and begins with the player left of the straddle. The technique is like live raising, save for the player to the right of a Mississippi straddle is the one who has the option to re-straddle by placing a blind bet with the original straddle.
It sounds complicated (and it can be) but to simplify it, think of a straddle as essentially a round of betting / raising before cards are dealt. Plus, the player straddling buys “last action” after the cards are dealt.
A sleeper, on the other hand, is a blind raise that is made from a position other than a player that is under the gun. Sleeper bets are often considered an illegal out-of-turn play, and are usually not allowed in most venues. The big differences between sleepers and straddles are that sleeper bets do NOT buy last action, nor can a sleeper bet be raised. This makes it more of an intimidation tactic than anything – it makes the cost of that first bet higher than many will find comfortable (since betting starts at the big blind). Basically, it keeps weak hands out of play (however, this could also backfire on the bettor, as his or her hand might be weakest.)
