raising pre-deal. Only the person 'under-the-gun' (to the left of the Big Blind) can straddle. In doing so, that person raises the Big Blind before the two down cards are even dealt.

Personally, I don't like being the Big or Small Blind, so why create an additional Blind? Generally, I hate it when I'm the Big Blind I the person on my left straddles! It doesn't bother me when it's done when I'm not the Blind.

However, it has been my experience (and every house can be different) but doing a straddle is not allowed in Tournament play.

Also, there are two kinds of starddles, a Live Straddle and and a regular straddle. I'm not sure of the difference.

I'm sure that some of the Hold'em players will add more here.

Jim