Ever heard of a poker float? This is your sign that you need to get better acquainted with the often underrated move…
This advanced bluffing technique is gaining popularity and there's a good reason for it. A poker float adds a psychological layer to the game, keeping your opponents guessing and letting you seize control of the pot.
Figuring out how and when you can execute a poker float can transform your bluff game from average to formidable. So if you're looking to improve your game, you should get this technique under your belt.
Okay, we get that doesn't sound like such a good idea. Calling with a weak hand isn't exactly a recipe for success usually. In fact, we'd often advise against it.
However, a poker float isn't just a stab in the dark. It's an attempt to take down the pot later on in the hand.
A poker float can be your best bud when you're bluffing. This strategic move can throw your opponents off the scent just when you need it. And, generally speaking, your best bet (excuse the pun) is when you execute it on either the flop or the turn. It works particularly well if you're playing Hold'em or Omaha, but you can try it out in any variant that has multiple betting rounds.
So you're ready to try a poker float? Beforehand, you've got to understand your opponents. When you have a handle on who you're playing against, aggressive, tight or anything in between, it's easier to predict what they might do next.
Next thing you have to understand is the technique itself. This isn't a matter of chancing your arm and seeing what happens. You've got to deeply understand this advanced technique and make sure you've thought it through before you test it out. Podcasts, books, videos and websites can be your friends when you're trying to up your game, strategy wise.
You're in a late position. You're on a table with opponents who tend to make continuation bets pre-flop but don't often follow through on the turn or the river, opting to check instead. Maybe that's because their hand is weak… This, my friend, is an excellent time to try your first poker float. If you decide to call on the river with your weak hand, it'll put a bit of pressure on them. And then if it looks like they're showing weakness later on in the hand, betting or raising can turn the tables in your favor.
With any bluffing strategy, there are risks. If you're up against an aggressive player or simply someone who happens to have a strong hand, that poker float could end up costing you quite a few of your pretty little chips. So definitely proceed with caution if you're thinking about trying it out.
By far and away the best way to boost your skills in poker is by practicing. Like we said, a poker float isn't always the best thing to do. But if you want to get a chance to try it out, then you should play as much as you can (within your budget, of course).
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