In poker, bluffing is an essential strategy, and within that, the “float strategy” is one of the most powerful techniques. The float refers to the tactic of calling your opponent’s continuation bet (C-Bet) on the flop and then attacking aggressively on the turn or river. When used correctly, this technique helps you read your opponent’s bluffs or take pots from hesitant players.
This article will explain the basics of the float strategy, its conditions for success, practical use cases, and countermeasures when faced with a float. Master the float and take your poker skills to a higher level.
What is the Float Strategy?
The float strategy is the approach of calling on the flop and attacking on subsequent streets. For example, it can be used in the following scenario:
- The opponent makes a C-Bet → You call → Attack on the turn or river
- Goal: To force your opponent to fold by exploiting the possibility that they have a weak hand.
This strategy doesn’t simply involve folding to the opponent’s C-Bet but uses the float to take advantage of their bluff and claim the pot.
Why is the Float Effective?
The float strategy is effective for the following reasons:
1. Countering Players Who Bet C-Bets Frequently
Many players frequently make C-Bets on the flop, especially aggressive players or those who follow Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies. These players often don’t have strong hands, so a C-Bet may be a bluff.
However, the situation changes on the turn. While many players C-Bet aggressively on the flop, their bet frequency tends to decrease on the turn because double-barreling (betting on both the flop and turn) is often more difficult.
For instance, there’s a tendency where:
- High C-Bet frequency on the flop (70%–80%)
- Low bet frequency on the turn (below 40%)
In such a case, calling the C-Bet (floating) on the flop and then aggressively betting on the turn when your opponent checks gives you a higher chance of claiming the pot.
Example
- The opponent has a high C-Bet frequency but low double-barrel frequency.
- You float on the flop and attack when the opponent checks on the turn.
2. Exploiting Opponent Bluffs
By using the float strategy, you can capitalize on your opponent’s bluffs. In poker, many players use C-Bets on the flop as a bluff, so they don’t necessarily hold strong hands.
The float is particularly effective against players like:
- Those who frequently C-Bet but decrease their bet frequency on the turn.
- Passive players who tend to avoid showdowns.
- Players with a wide range, using C-Bets with many hands.
Against these players, floating and then attacking on the turn or river increases your chances of winning the pot.
Example
- If the opponent C-Bets with a weak hand, such as A-high or K-high, you can attack aggressively on the turn.
- If the opponent checks with a weak second or third pair, you can make a large bet to induce a fold.
3. Gaining Control on the Turn or River
Another advantage of the float strategy is that it allows you to take control on the turn or river. In poker, aggressive players typically win more pots, so by betting aggressively when your opponent checks, you can gain control of the game.
Specifically, the float works well in situations such as:
- If the opponent checks on the turn → You bet to apply pressure.
- If the hand progresses to the river → If your opponent has been passive on the turn, attacking again on the river increases the likelihood of winning the pot.
In particular, when the board has potential draws or when an overcard (like an A or K) appears on the turn, your opponent may become cautious. By betting, you can induce a fold.
Example
- If the opponent checks on the turn, take advantage of your position and bet.
- If the opponent checks again on the river, place a big bluff bet to win the pot.
Conditions for Success in the Float Strategy
To use the float strategy effectively, it’s important to keep the following points in mind:
Analyze Opponent’s C-Bet Frequency
The float strategy works best against opponents who frequently make C-Bets. This is especially effective against players who don’t make a second barrel (a second bet on the turn). When a player aggressively C-Bets on the flop but becomes more passive on the turn, the float becomes a strong tactic.
Consider the Board Texture
Some board textures make floating more successful than others. For example, a dry board (like K♠ 7♦ 2♣ with few draws) is likely to result in your opponent missing, making the float effective. On the other hand, a wet board (like J♥ 9♠ 8♦ with straight or flush possibilities) is more likely to result in your opponent continuing with a strong hand, making floating harder.
Understand the Opponent’s Hand Range
To be successful with the float, you need to assess your opponent’s hand range. For example, floating works well against players with wide opening ranges. However, against tight players who have strong hands, the float becomes riskier.
Practicing the Float Strategy
Why Call the C-Bet on the Flop and Attack on the Turn?
The strategy of calling the C-Bet on the flop and attacking on the turn is based on the tendency of many players to C-Bet aggressively but become more passive on the turn. By betting on the turn, you apply pressure and increase the chances of winning the pot.
Ideal Positions for Floating (IP vs. OOP)
Position is crucial when implementing the float. In position (IP), you can make better decisions based on your opponent’s actions, making the float strategy more effective. Out of position (OOP), it’s more challenging to read your opponent’s actions, reducing the success rate of the float.
Hand Ranges Ideal for Floating
Hands that are good for floating include backdoor draws (e.g., ♠A , ♠5), middle pairs (e.g., ♦8 , ♣8), and overcards (e.g., ♦A , ♣Q). These hands may not be strong on the flop, but they have the potential to improve on later streets, making them ideal candidates for floating.
Responding on the Turn and River
When to Bet on the Turn
If your opponent checks on the turn, it’s a good opportunity for you to bet and apply pressure. This is especially true if the turn card is unfavorable to your opponent’s range (e.g., an Ace or King).
Aggressive Play Against the Check
When your opponent checks on the turn, aggressive betting will pressure them, and continuing with a bluff on the river increases your chances of forcing a fold.
Countering the Float Strategy
If you find yourself facing a float, an effective counter is to use a second barrel on the turn to apply pressure and prevent the float from succeeding. Additionally, broadening your defense range will help limit the effectiveness of your opponent’s floats.
Responding to a Float
- Use a second barrel on the turn to apply pressure.
- Be mindful of your opponent’s range and make proper calls or raises.
- Utilize HUD data to analyze the floating tendencies of your opponent.
Example of Successful and Unsuccessful Floats
- Successful Float Example
Flop: ♠J , ♦7 , ♣2 (Call opponent’s C-Bet)
Turn: ♣A (Opponent checks → Bet to induce a fold) - Unsuccessful Float Example
Flop: ♥Q , ♠9 , ♦6
Turn: Opponent bets two barrels → You attempt a bluff on the river but get called.
Conclusion
The float strategy is one of the most powerful bluffing techniques in poker. By using it wisely, you can take advantage of your opponent’s tendencies and control the game, particularly on the turn and river. To succeed with the float, analyze your opponent’s C-Bet frequency, recognize favorable board textures, and carefully choose when and how to attack.