Straddle Discussion

Schneids · #1 11-28-2005, 06:05 PM

Last night at Canterbury Jimmy the Greek (one of the worst poker players you can imagine) wanted to start straddle rounds in the 30 game. I immediately jump in and say "Jimmy if you want straddles, I'm right here with you doing it" or something like that (I'm also seated immediately on his left, so I figure if he does then I will and hopefully others follow). BK says "I will if everyone else does." Naturally, he already knows the two people between him and me don't straddle, however, its quite likely a few of the people seated after him will straddle.

So yeah, Jimmy straddles, I straddle, then it dies. Inside I'm angry at BK but wait to till after we're done to tell him:

"If Jimmy wants straddles, you straddle. He is here to gamble, he likes to gamble, and it's your job as a pro to provide him with that. So what if 1-3 other people at the table won't join in, a lot will and whatever EV you are giving up by being one of maybe 5 people at the table straddling is more than made up for by the fact Jimmy is enjoying himself, will come back more often, and will stay longer to play when you are in the game gambling it up with him."

So lets say you are straddling along with approximately 5 others. Is this insurmountable EV to overcome just to make sure a big donater is happy? BK thinks so, I don't (this coming from a guy who has played 63s for 4 bets PF and then dark bet a flop with it from his SB in the 30 game).

Perhaps some of the guys with lots of B&M experience and knowledge can chime in here. Thanks.

Nomar · #2 11-28-2005, 06:15 PM

based on what little knowledge I have of both of you, I thought you guys played that live 30-60, for fun, for a night out, to have some fun with friends, ect...

based on that, I would assume you should both be straddling and gambling it up, even with this slight -EV play you should both be favorites in the game.

Schneids · #3 11-28-2005, 06:18 PM

I go there to play for fun while expecting/hoping to make a little money doing it. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

bicyclekick · #4 11-28-2005, 06:21 PM

[ QUOTE ]

based on what little knowledge I have of both of you, I thought you guys played that live 30-60, for fun, for a night out, to have some fun with friends, ect...

[/ QUOTE ]

While this is true (and it used to be super true...hence the getting in there for the 4 bet with 63s and betting the flop dark) it gets pretty old dropping a thousand or two every time you play.

I decided winning was more 'fun' than 'having fun' and losing if that makes sense. If I want to play like a donk I go play lower stakes, not to say that I don't ever donk it up at 30. Most of that donking is trying things out and just going with what I feel like doing...hence the spray with q3o I made the other week vs schneider that he posted.

I'm with boris, jimmy will gamble/spray it up regaurdless of if we straddle along. Although it might improve your standing with him a touch, it doesn't overly matter imo.

Schneids · #5 11-28-2005, 06:25 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[I'm with boris, jimmy will gamble/spray it up regaurdless of if we straddle along. Although it might improve your standing with him a touch, it doesn't overly matter imo.

[/ QUOTE ]

You notice he left last night right after we did? Coincidental, or...?

bicyclekick · #6 11-28-2005, 06:28 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[I'm with boris, jimmy will gamble/spray it up regaurdless of if we straddle along. Although it might improve your standing with him a touch, it doesn't overly matter imo.

[/ QUOTE ]

You notice he left last night right after we did? Coincidental, or...?

[/ QUOTE ]

Half the table left.

Probably a little of both. He likes us. I agree with you. I just don't think not straddling will really hurt anything. I gave him far more action than you did last night too...

#7 11-28-2005, 06:26 PM

WHAT IF JIMMY HAPPENED TO READ THIS?

IT IS POSSIBLE.....

Schneids · #8 11-28-2005, 06:32 PM

[ QUOTE ]
WHAT IF JIMMY HAPPENED TO READ THIS?

IT IS POSSIBLE.....

[/ QUOTE ]

If I didn't think he'd take it well I wouldn't use his name, though you have no idea if that is really his name or just a monicker I made up or that he made up. I'm not too concerned about it. Plus I genuinely like the guy and I think he knows that and he likes me so whatever.

#9 11-28-2005, 06:35 PM

I'm Jimmy.

j/k

Tex

bicyclekick · #10 11-28-2005, 06:33 PM

[ QUOTE ]
WHAT IF JIMMY HAPPENED TO READ THIS?

IT IS POSSIBLE.....

[/ QUOTE ]

Then nothing?

He's a smart guy. He's a businessman. He knows we do this for our 'job'. He knows in general we're in it for the money. He also knows he goes there to gamble and have a good time at the expense of money. He's got more than enough and just wants to have fun.