Floating

Floating is a bluff which is an excellent weapon against the players who use a continuation bet too often. If we follow a few simple rules, it may be a very profitable play.

The float play involves simple steps: you call an opponent’s bet on the preflop with the intention of checking to his cbet on the flop and betting on the turn. Such maneuver suggests that we hold a considerably better hand than we really do, and, more importantly, a hand that is stronger than the opponent’s. Floating is a positional play, which means we should act (make decision) after our opponent.

When to play a float

As I have mentioned, we must be in the position after the player we want to pull off a float play against. Usually, an opponent hitting on the preflop will play a cbet on the flop, but having been called after missing the flop, he will become more cautious and most likely will check on the turn which is the exact moment when you should hit. Moreover, you do not have to hold a good hand to make this play. And remember that you must be heads-up with your opponent. Obviously, it is also important not to play foat too frequently – it also applies to other bluffs. When you play them too often, you may unexpectedly be checked/raised on the turn, which surely would not be pleasant.

Partner to tango

A solid TAG is the most desirable opponent to play a float against, because you can take advantage of his fondness for playing strong preflop hands and cbets with the missed flop. It would also help you to know that he does not play second barell and folds after playing bet on the turn. If you find somebody like that, take your chance!

How much should you raise?

First of all you should remember that if a player fires a second barrel, it may turn out that he after all has good cards. So when you have a weak hand, just fold and wait for a better opportunity. However, when the opponent checks to you, I recommend making a bet of approximately ¾ pot size. But what if the opponent plays check/call or check/raise?

The second solution involves folding, so let’s focus on the first one. The majority of deals should be folded in such a case, because usually we will be behind. You can play another bet when the turn brings draw to flush or straight – by doing this you feign completing a draw. Your opponent may think that you were calling on the flop, because you had a draw, more so if he has previously seen that you had played an actual draw in a similar way. If you are re-raised, you do not have a choice, you must fold.

Summary

Floating is a bluff extended over two or sometimes even three betting rounds. You should find the right opponent to play it – weak – tight or a solid TAG. Do not overuse it. Enjoy.