In games with blinds, such as Texas Hold’em, the player in the big blind has an option if there is no aggressive action in front of them.
For example, if you’re in a big blind and two players in front only make the call, you’ll have the option to check and see the flop without putting any additional money in the pot.
In cash games, when there is a straddle, the option is taken away from the big blind and given to the straddle instead. This, in addition to creating more action, is the reason why players choose to straddle.
