What is Float in Poker

Introduction

Reading your opponents and making the right moves at the right time can lead to big rewards in Poker. One advanced tactic that many successful players use to gain an edge is called floating. While it may sound simple, floating is an art that requires patience, timing, and the ability to read your opponent’s moves.

In this article, we will explore the concept of floating and how it can be the key to mastering your Poker game.

What is Floating in Poker?

Floating Poker strategy is primarily used against opponents who frequently make continuation bets (c-bets). It involves calling a bet with a weak hand on the flop, with the plan to take control of the pot on later streets (typically the turn or river) when your opponent shows weakness. Essentially, you ‘float’ through the initial betting round, hoping to bluff your opponent or improve your hand as the hand progresses.

Understanding Floating

At its core, floating exploits the fact that many players use c-bets to continue applying pressure, regardless of the strength of their hand. When you float, you take advantage of the fact that your opponent is betting frequently but might not have a strong hand to back it up. You call the bet even if you don’t have much of a hand in hopes that you can take control of the pot on the turn or river or at least get to a showdown cheaply with a potentially improved hand.

When to Float

The key to executing a successful float is recognizing the right moments to use it. Here are some situations where floating can be an effective tactic:

1. Aggressive Opponent

Floating works best against aggressive players, particularly those who routinely make c-bets. These players may bet regardless of the strength of their hand. If you are up against an opponent who bluffs often, you can float to try and take advantage of that.

2. Positional Advantage

If you act after your opponent, you are more likely to succeed with a float. This is because you will see their actions on the flop before you decide whether to continue with the hand. If you float from an early position, it’s much harder to take control later since you lack information about your opponent's actions.

3. Opponent Likely to Fold

For floating to work, your opponent must have the ability to fold when you apply pressure. This is more likely if your opponent is weak or unsure of their hand. If your opponent is aggressive but unwilling to commit large amounts of chips to a pot without a strong hand, you are in a better position to take advantage of them post-flop.

4. Flop Structure

The structure of the flop plays a major role in whether floating is a good option. If the flop is coordinated (for example - it connects well with straight or flush draws), there may be a better chance that your opponent missed the flop entirely, giving you more opportunity to bluff them on the turn or river. On the other hand, if the board is dry and disconnected (for example - something like 2♠ 7♣ 9♦), you might want to reconsider floating unless you are confident your opponent is bluffing.

How to Execute a Float

Here’s how to perform a float:

Preflop

A float starts with a call before the flop. To float effectively, you usually want a hand that has the potential to improve. These are hands-like suited connectors, small pocket pairs, or cards that could make a straight or flush draw on the flop. You don’t want to float with a weak, unconnected hand like an A-2 offsuit. Suited connectors or Broadway hands are better because they have the potential to improve in multiple ways.

Flop

On the flop, your opponent bets, often with a range of hands that includes both strong hands and bluffs. You call the bet despite having a weak or medium-strength hand, intending to see the turn card and make your move. A key element of the float is that you are not calling because you think you have the best hand. You are calling because you expect to take control of the pot later.

Example: You are in the cutoff with 8♠ 7♠, and the button raises pre-flop. The flop comes down K♣ 3♠ 9♠, giving you a gutshot straight draw and a flush draw. Your opponent continues with a c-bet of half the pot. You don’t have a made hand, but you have decent equity with both a straight and flush draw. You float here, intending to hit your hand or take the pot with a bluff if your opponent shows weakness later.

Turn and River

If your opponent continues betting on the turn, you must assess whether you can push them off the pot or whether you’ve hit your draw and have a strong hand. You might continue your float strategy by raising or checking to induce a bluff. The key is to act when your opponent shows any sign of weakness, such as checking behind on the turn or betting small on the river.

If the turn card improves your hand, like hitting your flush or straight, you should consider value betting to build the pot. If you haven’t hit anything but think your opponent is weak, you can opt to bluff on the river, representing a strong hand.

Example:

You are in the cutoff with J♠ 7♠. The button raises to 3x the big blind, and you call with your suited connector, planning to float if the situation is right.

Flop: The board comes 8♣ Q♦ 3♠. You have a flush draw and a gutshot straight draw. The button continues with a c-bet of 60% of the pot.

You have a weak hand at the moment but decide to float. The flop contains straight and flush potential, so your opponent could easily bet a weaker hand. You call to see the turn, confident you can take control if the turn card gives you a strong draw.

Turn: The turn is the 5♠, completing your flush.

Now you have a strong hand, and it’s time to take control of the pot. The button bets again. You could raise here for value, but you choose to call to keep the pot manageable and keep your opponent in hand, hoping they’ll continue betting on the river.

River: The river brings the 2♣, and your opponent checks. You make a value bet, confident that your flush is the best hand. The opponent folds, and you win the pot.

Risks of Float Poker Strategy

• Playing Too Many Hands: Floating is a strategic tool, but if you are not careful, it can lead to overcalling. Calling too often with weak hands to float may result in losses over time.
• Opponent Adjusting: Experienced players will notice your tendency to float and may respond by increasing their continuation bets or checking with strong hands to entice a float, complicating your bluffing strategy.
• Missed Opportunities: If you call a bet and fail to complete your draw, your opponent might continue betting with a stronger hand, leaving you in a difficult situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is floating in Poker?

Floating is a Poker strategy where you call a bet on the flop with a weak or marginal hand, intending to bluff or take control of the pot on later streets. It is commonly used against opponents who c-bet frequently but lack strong hands.

What are the risks of floating?

The main risks include calling too often without a plan, opponents catching on to your strategy, and failing to execute a successful bluff. Additionally, if your opponent has a strong hand, floating can lead to unnecessary losses.

Is floating a beginner-friendly strategy?

Floating is better suited for intermediate or advanced players because it relies on strong hand-reading skills and positional awareness. Beginners should first master basic strategies like value betting and bluffing before incorporating floating into their play.

Conclusion

Float Poker strategy requires patience, the ability to read your opponent’s behaviour, and the discipline to know when to take control of a hand after the flop. Floating can turn a marginal hand into a profitable one if executed correctly. However, like any card game strategy, it has risks. Remember - to float effectively, you must choose the right situations and opponents.