[threeonefour]

[ QUOTE ]
Is straddling allowed? Also is it generally allowed in home games. I'm reading some posts about it now, and honestly I've never seen it done. I've heard a few dealers at the casino say no straddling but thats all. Never seen anyone do it.

[/ QUOTE ]

if a casino doesn't allow at least a dead straddle (or home game for that matter) then you can safely assume that whoever is in charge doesn't know how to run a decent card game. I personally I have never played in a casino that forced you to look at your cards before you played them, but i would probably cashout and go to a different place if i ever found one...

also, I have never ever straddled. I have bet in the dark post flop a fair amount... but to not allow a raise in the dark is silly and i really don't like playing in poorly managed games.

as for live straddles. most casinos allow them it seems but a fair amount do not. a live straddle is a -EV decision and as such, shouldn't be frowned upon. a dead straddle is more -EV though. so if you are running a home game, it is to your advantage to only allow dead straddles if players will straddle regardless. If players won't straddle unless its live(or will straddle more often), then it is to your advantage to allow live straddles.