Straddles: what for?

[Adidas]

Ok, I understand the concept of straddles and how they work in practice. But I just don't get their purpose: what do you have to gain from a straddle bet (apart from playing mind games that is).

[supafrey]

Ok, I understand the concept of straddles and how they work in practice. But I just don't get their purpose: what do you have to gain from a straddle bet (apart from playing mind games that is).

nothing

[Felting]

Ok, I understand the concept of straddles and how they work in practice. But I just don't get their purpose: what do you have to gain from a straddle bet (apart from playing mind games that is).

They are a great way to announce to the rest of the table that you are there to gamble, not play solid poker.

[BeerWench13]

Don't you gain position preflop when you straddle?

[HalfSugar]

Don't you gain position preflop when you straddle?

Yes. You still get the option pre-flop as the straddler.

I was going to argue that the point of a straddle is as much to look like a gambler and mix things up as it is to pay for position pre-flop. Granted it's an expensive way to get two pre-flop buttons per orbit but it's also fun.

[BeerWench13]

I admit that I have done it rather often in homegames when the beer/wine/liquor has been flowing for a while. It really throws off my opponents since they all pretty much figure me to be a rock.

It is fun too, especially when you happen to come up with a big hand.

[xDiamond_CutteRx]

It can also make the preflop pots slightly bigger, which can take some players out of their comfort zones.