Float tactics and how to deal with them

This time I would like to summarize float tactics and how to deal with float tactics.

◆Float Tactics◆

A float tactic is generally used to call against a player who has the lead post-flop when you have no hand equity or low hand equity such as a gutshot or backdoor draw, with the intention of bluffing on later streets.

The float tactic is difficult to use when you are out of position, so it is basically used when you are in position.
It is an effective play against opponents who have a high CB rate on the flop and a low double barrel rate on the turn.

Now let’s look at an example of a float.  ●BTN calls CO’s open raise with , and
on the HU flop    it is , calling CO’s CB.

In this case, the BTN has no pairs or strong draws, but one overcard, a straight and a flush backdoor draw, and position.
In this situation, if your opponent CBs with a range of about 70%,  you have about 25-27% equity.
It may not seem like a very good equity, but on a dry board like this, your opponent is likely to make a mistake, so you can call with the idea that you can bluff using your position on later streets.

The turn is , CO checks, BTN bets, and CO folds.

On the turn, the lag slowed and the CO checked.
The board situation remained almost the same, so the CO checked, making it less likely that he would have a strong hand that could be used for value with a triple barrel.
The BTN’s hand has not made any progress either, but since the BTN’s flop calling range could easily include a top pair + hand, you can see the CO’s check and bet here to try to steal the pot.
This is an example of the most basic float tactic.

◆Conditions suitable for float◆

Conditions suitable for floatation include the following:

●Being a HU
●Having a position
●High opponent CB rate
●Low opponent double barrel rate
●Having backup hand equity

On the other hand, floating is not effective against players who only cough up cards with strong hands or players who are passive and like to go to showdown.

◆How to deal with float tactics◆

Here, I would like to think about how to deal with the float tactic.
Incidentally, the worst play against the float tactic is to flop CB with a high probability and check-fold to the opponent’s bet on the turn.
Please try not to play like this against opponents who use floats a lot.

● Widen your value range
Since floaters call many CBs, their calling range is naturally weaker.
This increases the equity of your CB range, allowing you to value bet with more hands.

●Large bet size
A larger bet size is appropriate for floaters.
By making the bet size larger, you can make it harder for the player to float, and you can also take the value more firmly.

●Increase double barrels
Since a float is usually a tactic to call the flop and give up on a double barrel, double barreling comes into play.

However, you can’t always barrel, so draws become important at those times.
If you get a scare card on the turn, or if you get a flush or straight draw, or if you gain more, the equity will help you double barrel.
If you can get your opponent to fold with a double barrel, that’s a good result, and if you get a draw on the river, you can expect a lot of value against the strong range that called the double barrel.
In this way, make effective use of semi-bluffs when double barreling.

● Inducing a bluff on the turn
A floater who called on the flop is waiting for the opponent to check as a prelude to bluffing on the turn.
By taking advantage of this and checking on the turn, you can induce a bluff on the turn or river.
Against such an opponent, if you have a strong made hand like a top pair, you can call on the barrel on the turn and river.