Show Notes
Straddles used to be restricted to a fun element of live play, but an increasing number of online #poker sites have now added them to their tables. This "third blind" has a profound effect on preflop strategy, both on the straddle itself and from the other positions at the table.
In this podcast episode, we look at a common online 6-max format with a 2bb UTG straddle and 0.1bb ante. The straddle is intrinsically unprofitable, but the information presented here will allow you to minimize your losses from all three blinds, while maximizing your advantage elsewhere.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Introduction: UTG Straddle Strategy Overview 0:48 Why UTG Straddles Are -EV 1:34 Solver Setup & Effective Stack Sizes Explained 2:57 RFI Frequencies: Button, Small Blind & Big Blind 4:37 Small Blind Strategy vs UTG Straddle 6:03 Big Blind Defense: When to Complete vs Raise 7:46 ISO Raising Against Completes (20% Rule) 10:44 Big Blind Complete Strategy & UTG Straddle Response 12:54 Defending vs Button RFI from Each Position 16:57 Small Blind RFI Defense Strategy 20:11 Big Blind RFI Defense & 70%+ VPIP Spots 21:51 Key Takeaways: Small Blind Disadvantages 23:46 Completing Strategy: Why It's More Important Than You Think 25:26 Three-Betting & ISO Ranges Summary 26:31 Practical Tips for Live Games
RELATED LINKS · The Low-Stakes Poker Playbook: https://redchippoker.com/low-stakes-poker-playbook/ · GTO Preflop Ranges In Straddle Pots: https://youtu.be/ulXns1P5MeA?si=E50aXHFtTggyrHJH · Should I Straddle In Poker: https://redchippoker.com/should-i-straddle-in-poker/ · Why You Lose Money In Straddle Pots: https://youtu.be/WfjiK4FF_RI?si=i9eze1M0oUtjbqPM
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