The Float Play
In this article:
- What is a float play?
- How can you use a float play?
- Example of a float play.
- How can you use a float play?
- Example of a float play.
What is a float play?
A float play is an advanced bluffing technique that involves calling a bet on the flop and then betting on the turn to take down the pot. This can be used when you hit air on the flop and face a continuation bet from an opponent. You call the bet and then make a bet of your own on the turn when your opponent checks. One key element of a successful float play is having position over your opponent so that you can spot weakness on the turn. being out of position makes it much more difficult to pull off out of position. This play works well in good position for a couple of reasons. Many good players who raise pre-flop will make a continuation bet on the flop knowing that any callers most likely did not hit connect with anything. Calling in position will set off an alarm in their head making them think you have a good hand and are just smooth calling to build up the pot. If they didn't hit their hand either, they will check the turn and fold to a bet from you. If they bet again on the turn, then they probably have a hand and you can lay down your hand without having lost many chips.
How can you use a float play?
You can use a float play well from late position when you call a pre-flop raise with a better position than the raiser. When you call pre-flop and miss the flop, you can see what your opponent will do first. Most good players will make a continuation bet at this point, knowing that you probably missed the flop. You can use this against the player by calling the bet and planning on betting the turn, but you have to have position to make it work. On the turn, if your opponent doesn't have a hand, they will most likely check to avoid losing more chips than they need to. At this point you can make a substantial bet and they will usually fold thinking that you did in fact hit a good hand on the flop.
Example of a float play:
You are sitting on the button and are dealt Ah,10c. It is folded around to you and you smooth call. The small blind folds and the big blind raises twice the big blind. You call again and the flop comes out Kh,Jc,5s. Your opponent moves first and makes a continuation bet of half the pot thinking that you missed the flop and will fold. You simply smooth call to make your opponent think you have a good. the turn comes 4c and your opponent checks to you. You make a bet of half the pot and your opponent folds.
