This week’s term is straddle. In addition to being a nifty gymnastics move demonstrating one’s flexibiliy, in poker, a straddle is an optional pre-deal bet that amounts to twice the big blind. Straddles are usually made by the player to the left of the big blind—the under-the-gun position (UTG)—and the straddler then earns the preflop “option” to act last from the big blind. Some casinos, however, also permit button straddles.

Straddles occur most often in cash games as they are not typically permitted in tournament play.