What is a straddle? WPT Global's mandatory straddle rules

A straddle is an extra blind of 2x the big blind posted before the flop, after the big blind. In exchange for putting in more money, the straddle gets to act last preflop. On WPT Global you don’t decide whether to straddle. It’s a table-wide rule: at tables with a mandatory straddle, someone posts it automatically every hand. The website calls this table type 3 Blind and lists it as one of the platform’s featured table types.

The website’s rules page defines a straddle as “a voluntary blind bet”, which is the general poker definition. At WPT Global’s 3 Blind tables, the straddle is a fixed third blind. The website also states that straddles only appear at some cash game tables, not in tournaments.

How to tell if a table has a straddle

The blinds tell you. Both the lobby table list and the top of the table show the blinds:

Display	Meaning
1/2	Small blind 1, big blind 2, no straddle
1/2/4	Small blind 1, big blind 2, straddle 4

The third number is always 2x the big blind. Larger amounts are abbreviated, for example 500/1K/2K.

According to PokerNews, WPT Global’s 3 Blind tables also have an ante of 0.5 big blinds per player on top of the three blinds, so pots are bigger than at regular tables. Check the table info for the actual settings.

How a hand plays out

Take a 6-max table with 1/2/4 blinds:

1. The small blind posts 1, the big blind posts 2, and the straddle seat (usually the player to the left of the big blind) automatically posts 4. Straddle appears next to that player’s avatar.
2. Preflop action starts with the player to the left of the straddle. To call, you have to put in at least 4, not 2.
3. The action goes around, and the straddle acts last.
4. If everyone before only calls 4 and nobody raises, the straddle gets a raise option when the action reaches them, not just a check.
5. After the flop, the normal order applies, starting with the first player still in the hand to the left of the button.

In practice, a straddle table is like doubling the blinds. The pot starts bigger and the price to enter preflop goes up too. Play a tighter starting hand range than at a regular table, especially in early position.

Posting when you join or return

When you first sit down or come back from sitting out, you need to post a blind (the button shows Post) before you’re dealt in. At tables with a mandatory straddle, if more than 3 players are in the game, you post 2x the big blind, which is the straddle amount, not the usual one big blind.

Does the straddle count toward VPIP?

No. VPIP only counts money you put into the pot voluntarily. Forced bets such as the big blind, small blind, ante, and straddle aren’t included. To see how your own stats work, see VPIP and PFR explained.

FAQ

What is a straddle?

A straddle is an extra blind of 2x the big blind posted before the flop, after the big blind. In return, the straddle acts last preflop.

Can I choose whether to straddle on WPT Global?

No. On WPT Global the straddle is a table rule. If a table has a mandatory straddle, the player in that seat automatically posts 2x the big blind. The app has no button that lets you decide whether to straddle.

How do I know if a table has a straddle?

Look at the blinds. Regular tables show two numbers (small blind/big blind, for example 1/2). Tables with a straddle show a third number, the straddle amount (for example 1/2/4).

Does the straddle always act last preflop?

Yes. The preflop action order shifts back one seat, so the straddle acts last. If everyone before only calls and nobody raises, the straddle can still raise when the action reaches them.

For what other table buttons mean, see the UI glossary.

References

• WPT Global website: Poker Rules (straddles only at some cash tables, not in tournaments), Texas Hold’em (3 Blind featured table type)
• PokerNews: How to Defend the Straddle in WPT Global Three-Blind Games (2026)