Float
Calling a bet on one street with the intention of bluffing on a later street, rather than because of hand strength.
iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst
What Is Float?
Floating is typically done in position, allowing the floating player to see how their opponent reacts on subsequent streets before deciding whether to fire a bluff or give up. The play works especially well against opponents who continuation bet frequently but give up when facing resistance, since the float call represents strength without requiring a strong holding.
Examples
A player calls a flop continuation bet with a weak hand purely to float, planning to bet the turn if their opponent checks.
After floating the flop, a player takes down the pot with a turn bluff when their opponent checks in defeat.
Strategy Tips
Choose float candidates carefully, targeting opponents who continuation bet at a high frequency but fold too often to turn aggression. Float most effectively in position, since acting last gives you crucial information about your opponent's turn action before committing more chips. Consider board texture when floating, favoring boards where scare cards are likely to appear on the turn to support a credible bluff. Be prepared to give up the float if your opponent shows continued strength, rather than bluffing into an obviously strong range.