[JSD]

(cross-posted from microlimits at the request of Clarkmeister)

While playing 3/6 with 2+2ers bisonbison and bakku last night at Garden City, it came to my attention that while most 2+2ers are proficient at playing solid tight-aggressive (or at least weaktight) poker, many of us do not completely understand one the the subtler nuances of playing live, namely the LIVE STRADDLE. Therefore, I provide you all with a short (and hopefully useful) guide on the subject.

1) Your straddle to beer ratio should be at least 1:1. You beer to orbit ratio should also be at least 1:1. After this many beers, the math gets fuzzy, but it conveniently works out that you should be straddling every orbit.

2) When straddling, it is important to let the table know this. Loudly accouncing "LIVE SIX" as you push your chips out is mandatory. Think of it as a public service announcement.

3) It is incredibly poor form to look at your hole cards pre-flop when straddling. This will jinx any chance you have of winning. After all, 72o isn't really 72o until you look, right?

4) Under no circumstances should you ever fold pre-flop when straddling. If it comes back to you 3-bet or capped (and it likely will) you MUST MUST call. Any two will do! Besides, you haven't looked yet, so for all you know, you've got two aces down there.

5) It is highly recommended that you exercise your option to 3-bet or cap out of your straddle. The more people in the hand with you, the more likely you should be to 3-bet/cap. It is good form when doing this to loudly say "lets build a pot for somebody!" Note that if you 3-bet out of your straddle after a bunch of callers, it is damn near mathematical certainty that one of this original callers will cap while yelling "GAMBOOOOOOL!"

6) Bet the flop (whether you've looked at your cards or not). If the SB or BB bets, raise. The flop is getting capped anyways so you might as well show strength. You still have two cards to come. You cannot fold. You'll notice that nobody else is folding. Learn from them.

7) Suckout on the the river. This is the more important aspect of straddling. It is critical that you hit your runner-runner draw to the nuts. The more you straddle, the more proficient you will become at this.

8) When tabling you winner, make sure you say "just the nuts!" in a triumphant manner, as if it was a pre-determined outcome that you would drag a 30BB pot when you pushed those six chips out to the left of the big blind.

9) "SERVICE!! Get me another Sierra Nevada, pronto!"

10) Repeat.