Straddle Inquiry

[Sparks]

The straddle thread over in High Stakes reminded me of a question: Why do none of the Southern California B&M's allow a straddle in their games? I've tried to come up with a logical answer, and I can't. I'm not sure about the lower limits or way-high limits, but the middle limits definitely don't allow it. And they're very insistent. I've thrown out chips and announced "live straddle!" and invariably several players (and probably the dealer silently) say Sweet!, only to have a floorman rush over and F it all up with his rules.

What gives? What the heck is wrong with an optional straddle?

Sparks