float

A float is calling an opponent's cbet with a non-strong hand — not to see the next card, but to bet on the opponent giving up on the turn or river so you can take the pot away with aggression.

Detailed Explanation

A float's +EV source is the opponent's "barrel give-up" frequency after cbet:

• After a flop cbet, the opponent's second-barrel frequency is typically only 40-55%
• After you call, the opponent has a 45-60% chance to check the turn
• When they check, betting picks up the pot (even with King-high)

Conditions for a successful float:

1. Position: must be IP (you see the opponent's turn action before deciding)
2. Opponent type: opponent has the "high flop cbet + low turn barrel" leak
3. Your hand: ideally has backdoor equity (flush, gutshot) — even if called, there's catch-up potential
4. Board: turn structures that "expire" the opponent's cbet range (e.g. a broadway turn on a low connected board)

Difference from a pure bluff call: a float is a planned action — when you call, you're already thinking "how big do I bet when they check the turn?"

Common Use Cases

• BTN vs EP cbet: EP cbet ranges often have high turn-fold frequency
• Dry boards: high cbet frequency, big second-street give-up rate
• King-high / weak ace with backdoors: even if the float fails, equity backs it up