Float from HJ
Float from HJ
A float from the hijack is a call made from the hijack position (two seats to the right of the button) on the flop (or occasionally preflop) with the intention of bluffing on a later street, typically against a continuation bet from the preflop raiser.
Meaning and Usage
The term "float" in poker refers to calling a bet with a weak or drawing hand, planning to bluff on a later street if the opponent shows weakness. When executed from the hijack (HJ) position, it adds strategic depth because the HJ is in middle position—after early position players but before the cutoff and button.
Why Float from HJ?
- Positional Advantage: The HJ acts after the original raiser (often from under the gun or middle position) but before the later positions. If the flop is checked to the aggressor and they make a continuation bet (c-bet), the HJ can float with a wide range, knowing they have position on the raiser for the rest of the hand.
- Stealing Initiative: By floating, the HJ takes control away from the preflop aggressor. Many players c-bet frequently but give up on the turn if called. A float capitalizes on that tendency.
- Board Texture: Floating works best on dry, uncoordinated boards (e.g., K-7-2 rainbow) where the raiser’s range is less likely to have connected strongly. The HJ can represent a wide variety of hands (e.g., sets, top pair) when the turn brings a scare card.
Typical Scenarios
- Single-Raised Pot: The HJ calls a raise from early position (e.g., UTG or MP). The flop comes low and disconnected. The original raiser c-bets. The HJ floats with a hand like 98s or A2s, planning to bet or raise on a turn that improves their range (e.g., a third flush draw card or an overcard).
- 3-Bet Pot (Less Common): Floating in 3-bet pots is riskier because ranges are stronger. However, if the 3-bettor is in position (e.g., button vs. HJ), the HJ might float on a dry flop to bluff later, but this requires a solid read.
Key Considerations
- Opponent Tendencies: Floating works best against aggressive opponents who c-bet too often but fold to turn aggression. Against passive or calling-station players, floating is unprofitable.
- Stack Sizes: Effective stack depth matters. Deep stacks (100+ BB) allow more room for floating, while short stacks (under 50 BB) make it risky because the opponent may commit with a marginal hand.
- Hand Selection: Typical floating hands include suited connectors (e.g., 76s), small pairs, or ace-high with backdoor draws. These hands have little showdown value but can improve to strong draws or bluff-catchers.
- Turn Strategy: The key is to follow through on the turn when checked to—bet around 60-75% pot. If the opponent bets again, the float often fails unless you improve.
Counter-Strategies
Players aware of floating will check-raise the flop or lead the turn with strong hands. The HJ should balance floats with real value hands to avoid being exploited.
Example
Imagine a live 1/2 NL game. Hero (HJ) calls a raise from UTG. Flop: K♦ 7♠ 2♣. UTG c-bets $15 into $25. Hero floats with 7♦ 6♦ (middle pair with backdoor flush draw). Turn: 3♦. UTG checks. Hero bets $30, representing a king or a set. UTG folds. This is a classic float from HJ.