Stuart,
I think this might fall into the catagory that we talked about on earlier threads; separate No-limit and Pot limit from Limit. I was glad that Mike posted my question. I did find out that the TDA would prefer to avoid questions regarding cash games and I understand why. There is enough confusion out there with tournament rules, why add more. I have to tell you that the best explanation for the solution to the question of the straddle, was answered by Jan Fisher. I contacted her because I was unable to post my question. Her response was perfect (even though she really would rather not get into any "cash game" discussions) and I hope she does not take offense to me disclosing her thoughts on the subject. I felt that without my explanation, I would have been given credit for something that (I agree with) but, were not my words.
I will now quote Jan Fisher: "The $10 straddle, IMO, is not a raise but an additional blind. as if there was a kill on it. That said, if you accept that, the raise has to be at least double that." I think that is a great example....thank you Jan! I really like the part of looking at it like it was a "kill." To me, that makes perfect sense for No-limit and Pot-limit. There is no raise limit to consider and it only changes the minimum bet.
She also goes on to explain that a straddle doesn't change the limit of a limit game. If there is a $4 and $8 limit game, with blinds of $2/$4 and the next player straddled for $8 the next player could only raise it to $12 because it is a $4 street. A straddle has been used in cash games for a long time, but the difference between the limit and no-limit are considerable.
Nick C