Floating means calling a flop c-bet in position with a hand that is not yet strong, planning to take the pot away on a later street — usually with a bet when the c-bettor checks the turn.
Floating works because most players c-bet far more flops than they can keep betting: when the turn comes and they check, their range is mostly the hands that gave up. A good float needs three things: position, so that you see his turn action first; a dry board, where his c-bet is wide and his checking range is weak; and some backup equity — overcards, a gutshot, backdoor draws — so that you can also simply improve. The price helps too: against a one-third-pot c-bet you need only 20%.
The float pays off with a delayed bet: when villain c-bets and then checks the turn, bet about half to two-thirds of the pot, the size your value hands would use. It is also a plan with an exit. If he bets the turn again, your unimproved float is a weak hand facing a big bet — fold unless the turn gave you a real draw. If your float picks up showdown value instead, switch to pot control. Floating out of position, or with nothing at all, is the common mistake.
Worked example
FAQ
What is a float in poker?
A call in position with a weak hand that plans to win the pot later, usually by betting when the opponent checks the turn. It is a plan, not a hope: it needs position, a board where the c-bet is wide, and some backup equity.
When should you give up on a float?
When villain bets the turn again and you have not improved, or when your turn bet gets called and the river brings nothing. Floats are profitable because the failed ones are cheap; they stay cheap only if you stop.