How to Bluff in Poker: Probe Bets, Blocker Bets & Float Bets

How to Make a Good Float Bet

To execute a good Floater bet simply call the continuation bet on the flop (independent of the strength of your hand – this is a pure bluff, remember!) and wait for your opponent to act on the turn. 

For a more detailed look at Floating the Flop including a video showing how it’s done, check out:

• 10 More Essential Texas Holdem Moves: Floating the Flop

What is a “Probe” Bet in Poker

A good example of a pure bluff is a “probe” bet. It’s an under-utilized tool in most poker players’ repertoires. A probe bet is:

• A bet by a player out of position, usually by the first player to act after the flop

As most flops miss most hands, probe bets are a means by which the player acting first (or the first player to bet in a three- or four-way pot) can capitalize on this fact and steal the pot.

Essentially, the basic concept behind the probe bet is to simply take a stab at the pot when you think the flop may have missed your opponents.

This is done by making a small bet – usually around a quarter or a third the size of the pot. If you bet only a small percentage of the size of the pot your probe bet doesn’t have to be successful very often in order to show a profit.

A probe bet can be used in both raised

When to Make a Probe Bet

The key to profitably wielding the probe bet is to use it in the right situations.

Knowing when a flop has likely missed an opponent is difficult but careful observation can give some insights into the types of hands they’re likely to raise (or limp) with.

Often, flops with either all low cards or low cards and an ace are good opportunities to attempt a probe bluff.

What is a Blocking Bet?

A blocking bet is simply a bet designed to stop your opponents from betting.

Blocking bets are a great tool in an online game. They’re still very useful live but online has fewer options for exploiting a skill edge and this is one of them.

For example: You have J Q  on a flop of K-J-9 with one heart. You have second pair with a gut-shot and a back door flush draw.

You’re not sure you have the best hand and are worried about a rather aggressive player. There is $20 in the pot and you’re first to act.

Now it’s an unraised pot, and you’re pretty sure if it starts getting checked someone will try to steal it. You’re sure anyone with top pair is going to bet out. If they bet large enough, you simply cannot call. But you have a big enough hand you don’t want to sign off just yet.

A Good Way to Draw Cheaply

This is where you put in a blocking bet. You bet $12 into the pot. This bet is around the smallest bet anyone would make if you were to check-call. But it’s also big enough someone’s going to need a strong made hand to want to raise.

The pot’s not big enough to warrant a big bluff so chances are no one will raise. Even if your opponent has a weak to moderate top pair, most players here will simply call.

If your opponent flops the straight most players here will just call to trap you as there is no legitimate draw out there to threaten them.

If you don’t take down the pot you’ve bought yourself a cheap turn. And if you’re behind on the flop the turn gives you the chance to catch up.

Blocking bets are a good way to draw cheaply. The professionals use them frequently when playing against a hand they know has them beat.

If you block properly, and keep the initial investment small, the implied odds against cracking a slow-played monster can make this a very profitable maneuver.

For a more detailed looked at Blocking Bets including an instructional video, check out:

• 10 More Essential Hold’em Moves: The Blocking Bet

Reading Board Texture

You can’t bluff blindly. A wet board with multiple draws requires a different approach than a dry one with few potential hits. If the flop is something like 7 8 9 , bluffing into multiple players can be risky. There are too many ways they can connect. On the other hand, if it’s a single-raised pot and the board is K 3 8 , your opponent might have missed completely. A well-timed float or probe can work wonders.

Mixing Position with Bet Size

Position is power. When you act last, you see how your opponent reacts before you commit chips. If you sense weakness—maybe a standard c-bet followed by a check on the turn—consider a float. If you’re out of position, a blocking bet can be a lifesaver. It keeps you in control of the pot size and can save you from facing a large bet. Just remember to keep your sizing believable. Tiny bets can look weak and invite raises; massive overbets might trigger suspicion.

Knowing When to Slow Down

Great players pick their spots. If a bluff doesn’t feel right, don’t force it. A pure bluff with no equity should be rare, especially against sticky callers. Watch how your opponents react to smaller bluffs first. If they’re folding to those, you might press on with more ambitious moves. If they’re calling down lightly, switch to value-heavy strategies. The key is to stay flexible and keep adjusting as the table dynamics shift.