Poker Define Float
Poker Terms - Common Phrases and Acronyms. In poker, there is practically a library of poker terms that are commonly used. For the uninitiated, these terms can sound like a completely different language, when a poker player says, 'I flopped a belly buster on a rainbow board', when they are really saying that they have an inside straight draw, after the dealer dealt the first three cards, all. Float translation in English-Latin dictionary. En These beams were bound together by timber laid over them, in the direction of the length of the bridge, and were then covered over with laths and hurdles; and in addition to this, piles were driven into the water obliquely, at the lower side of the bridge, and these, serving as buttresses, and being connected with every portion of the work.
New terms from chapter 3 (Think Python: Think Like a Computer Scientist) – PART I
I found this chapter very dense. So, I will break it down in three (3) parts.
3.1 Function calls
- Function : name + sequence of statements that perform a computation
The book “Think Python: Think Like a Computer Scientist” provides the following definition:
a function is a named sequence of statements that performs a computation
- Function call:
Once the function’s name and sequence of statements have been specified, I can “call” the function by name.
Here is an example:
>>>type (32)
<type ‘int’>
The name of thefunction is type.
The expression in parenthesis is called an argument.
The result of this function is the type of the argument.
It is common to say that a function “takes” an argument and “returns” a result. The result is called the return value
Here is an illustration of a function that I found on Wikipedia:
Wikipedia Function machine: A function f takes an input x, and returns an output f(x)
Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Function_%28mathematics%29
3.2 Type conversion functions
Python provides built-in functions that convert values from one type to another
For instance:
The int function takes any number value and converts it to an integer. If the number is a floating-point value, the function will truncate the fraction part (NOTE: The function does not round off)
For instance:
>>> int(5.25)
5
>>>int(-2.3)-2
The float function converts integers numbers and strings numbers to floating-point numbers.
For example:
>>> float(32)
32.0
>>> float(‘3.14159’)
3.14159
The str function converts its argument to a string.
Here is an illustration:
>>> str(32)
’32’
>>> str(3.14159)
‘3.14159’
3.3 Math functions
Python has a math module that provides most of the familiar mathematical functions
- A module: A file that contains a collection of related functions. Also, before I can use the module I have to import it.
For instance:
>>> import math
>>>
>>> print math
<module ‘math’=”” from=”” ‘=”” library=”” frameworks=”” python.framework=”” versions=”” 2.7=”” lib=”” python2.7=”” <span=”” class=”hiddenSpellError” pre=””>lib-dynload/math.so’>
Statement: >>> import math
Module object: math
The module object contains the functions and variables defined in the module
- Dot notation the name of the module and the name of the function, separated by a dot. Do notation is used to access one of the functions in the module.
Example no1:
>>> signal_power = 10
>>> noise_power = 2.5
>>> ratio = signal_power / noise_power
>>> decibels = 10 * math.log10(ratio)
>>> print decibels
6.02059991328
NOTE 1: This example uses the function of log10 to compute a signal-to-noise ratio in decibels.
NOTE 2: The math module provides the function log, which computes logarithms base e.
Example no2: Convert degrees to radians
>>> degrees = 45
>>> radians = degrees / 360.0 * 2 * math.pi # To convert from degrees to radians: divide the degrees by 360 and multiply it by 2∏
>>> math.sin(radians) # Find the sin of radians
0.7071067811865475
NOTE: The name of the variable is a hint that sin and the other trigonometric functions (cos, tan, etc.) take arguments in radians.
The expression math.pi gets the variable pi from the math module. The value of the variable pi is an approximation of ∏, accurate to about 15 digits
3.4 Composition
Program components:
- variables
- expressions
- statements
To compose: The ability to take small building blocks and build up with them.
the argument of a function can be any kind of expression, including arithmetic operators […] Almost anywhere you can put a value, you can put an arbitrary expression, with one exception:
the left side of an assignment statement has to be a variable name. Any other expression on the left side is a syntax error (we will see exceptions to this rule later)
Here is an illustration:
>>> degrees = 45
>>> x = math.sin(degrees / 360.0 * 2 * math.pi)
>>> print x
0.707106781187
>>> y = math.exp(math.log(x+1))
>>> print y
1.70710678119
COMPOSITION RULE: The left side of an assignment statement has to be a variable name. Any other expression on the left side is a syntax error (I will see exceptions to this rule later)
Writing an ASSIGNMENT STATEMENT this way will work:
>>> minutes = hours * 60 #The writing of this assignment statement is adequate since the left side of the assignment statement is the variable name
>>>
Writing an ASSIGNMENT STATEMENT the way described below will generate and error:
>>> hours * 60 = minutes
File “<stdin>”, line 1
SyntaxError: can’t assign to operator
>>>
3.5 Adding new functions
– Function definition: def
A function definition specifies the name of a new function and the sequence of statements that execute when the function is called
– Function names rule of thumb:
- letters, numbers and some punctuation marks are legal,
- the first character of the function name can’t be a number
- keyword as the name of a function is illegal
- avoid having a variable and a function with the same name
The empty parentheses after the [function definition] name indicate that this function doesn’t take any arguments
– Interactive mode: If you type a function definition in interactive mode, the interpreter prints ellipses (…) to let you know that the definition isn’t complete.
For instance:
>>> def print_lyrics():
…
– Header: It is the first line of the function definition and it has to end with a colon
– Body: All the subsequent lines after the first line of the function definition and they have to be indented. There is no limit as to the number of statements a function definition may have.
NOTE: By convention, the indentation is always four spaces (see Section 3.14)
– Strings: The strings in the print statements are enclosed in double quotes.
NOTE:Single quotes and double quotes do the same thing; most people use single quotes except in cases like this where a single quote (which is also an apostrophe) appears in the string.
– End: To end a function, I have to enter an empty line (just hit enter). This is not necessary in a script mode
Here is an example:
>>> def print_lyrics():
… print “I’m a lumberjack, and I’m okay.”
… print “I sleep all night and work all day.”
…
>>>
I can recognize the keyword that indicates that it is a function definition: def
Poker Define Four Of A Kind
- I can also recognize the name of the function: print_lyrics
- The header of the definition function is: >>> def print_lyrics(): Please note that it ends with a colon.
- The body of the definition function is everything that follows and it is indented
- The strings in the print statements of the function definition are enclosed in double quotes and are indented after the ellipsis (the three dots) :
… print “I’m a lumberjack, and I’m okay.”
… print “I sleep all night and work all day.”
- The end of the function: After the third (3rd) ellipsis, I hit enter again and it comes back to >>>
– Defining a function: After I defined my function definition (name, header, body, strings, end), I can ask python to print it (or recall it). Python will create a variable with the same name. See below:
>>> print print_lyrics
<function print_lyrics at 0x10049acf8>
>>>
– Value type of the function definition we just created can be found as illustrated below:
>>> type (print_lyrics)
<type ‘function’>
In other words, the value of print_lyrics is a function object, which has type ‘function’.
The syntax for calling the new function is the same as for built-in functions […] Once you have defined a function, you can use it inside another function
Here is a fun example of how pop music (Lady Gaga / Poker face) and Python can mix.
- Step 1: Define the function print_chorus_pf
>>> def print_chorus_pf():
… print “P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face”
… print “(Mum mum mum mah)”
…
- Step 2: Define the function repeat_chorus_pf
>>> def repeat_chorus_pf():
… print_chorus_pf()
… print_chorus_pf()
…
Poker Define Floating
- Step 3: Call function repeat_chorus_pf
>>> repeat_chorus_pf()
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
>>>
3.6 Definitions and uses
This program contains two function definitions: print_chorus_pf and repeat_chorus_pf.
Function definitions get executed just like other statements, but the effect is to create function objects.
The statements inside the function do not get executed until the function is called, and the function definition generates no output […]
As you might expect, you have to create a function before you can execute it.
Exercise 3.1) Move the last line of this program to the top, so the function call appears before the definitions. Run the program and see what error message you get.
>>> repeat_chorus_pf()
Traceback (most recent call last):
File “<stdin>”, line 1, in <module>
NameError: name ‘repeat_chorus_pf’ is not defined
>>>
Exercise 3.2. Move the function call back to the bottom and move the definition of print_chorus_pf after the definition of repeat_chorus_pf. What happens when you run this program?
>>> def repeat_chorus_pf():
… print_chorus_pf()
… print_chorus_pf()
…
>>> def print_chorus_pf():
… print “P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face”
… print “(Mum mum mum mah)”
…
>>> repeat_chorus_pf
<function repeat_chorus_pf at 0x10049acf8>
>>>
***
Acknowledgments :
These notes represent my understanding from the book Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist written by Allen B. Downey.
Part of the chapter is transcribed and all the quotes unless specified otherwise come directly from his book.
Thank you Professor Downey for making this knowledge available.
Also, I would like to thank the open source community for their valuable contribution in making resources on programming available.
Thank you
The 'float play' is an advanced bluffing technique in Texas Holdem that is extended over two betting rounds.
The principle role of the play is to make your opponent believe you have a stronger hand than theirs via the flop and turn betting rounds, and thus closing down the action and winning the pot on the turn.
What is the float play?
The float play essentially involves calling an opponent’s bet on the flop (floating the flop), and then betting after being checked to on the turn to win the hand before seeing the river card. It is possible to make a successful maneuver like this with any two cards, which typically makes it a good bluffing play.
Why is the float play effective?
The play works well because it is typical for an advanced player to make a continuation bet on the flop, regardless of whether or not they caught a piece of it. Therefore it is not uncommon that our opponents will be making a bet on the flop with air, hoping that you did not catch a piece of it either and that their continued aggression will give them the pot.
The fact that you then call this bet will set alarm bells ringing in their heads, as they may fear that you could well be slowplaying a very strong hand. The majority of players will then shut down on the turn and check, which leaves us open to capitalize on their weakness by making a strong bet to win the pot.
The float play turns out to be a great defense against the continuation bet. However, it should not solely be used to try and pick off bets that you suspect are continuation bets.
How to make a successful float play.
There are two criteria however that have to be met before being able to pull off a good float play.
- You should be acting after your opponent.
- You should be heads-up with your opponent.
Poker Float Meaning
It is actually possible to make a float play out of position, but this is far more difficult and it is not often recommended that you try to do so as it can become costly. In position you have the opportunity to spot any weakness on the turn from your opponent after calling their flop bet. If your opponent bets strongly again on the turn, you are able to comfortably fold knowing that they more than likely have the best hand. If they check however, you are in the perfect position to take down the pot.
A second and equally important rule for a good float play is that you should be heads-up against your opponent. If there is more than one player in the pot, it makes it more difficult to pull off such a complex bluff, as it is more likely that at least one of the players has a decent hand.
The float play works best heads-up and in position. In fact, I would rarely (if ever) attempt a float play against more than one player.
The float play relies on us trying to pick off a continuation bet from our opponents, and the addition of another player into the equation adds too many variables to make it successful, and often our attempted display of strength will go unnoticed. Therefore it is best to keep things simple, and stick to being in position against one opponent when attempting a float play.
Float play example.
Lets say we are on the button holding A Q, and a player from middle position makes an $8 bet in a $1/$2 NL Holdem game. The action folds to us and we make the call, both players in the blinds fold. The flop comes 8 J 5, which does not improve our hand. Our opponent now bets $16 into the $19 pot.
Typically we would fold this hand as we have not connected with the flop at all, but instead we decide to make the call as we know our opponent regularly makes continuation bets with air. The turn comes the 3, but this time our opponent checks to us displaying some weakness.
We now bet $40 into the $51 pot, and our opponent folds, suspecting that we have a stronger hand than them.
$1/$2 No Limit Hold'em cash game - 6 Players
SB: $200
BB: $200
UTG: $200
MP: $200
CO: $200
Hero (BTN): $200
Pre Flop: ($3) Hero is BTN with A Q
1 fold, MP raises to $8, 1 fold, Hero calls $8, 2 folds
Flop: ($19) 8 J 5 (2 players)
MP bets $16, Hero calls $16
Turn: ($51) 3 (2 players)
MP checks, Hero bets $40, MP folds
Float play example overview.
In this particular hand, our opponent may well have been making a standard continuation bet with a hand like AK, AQ, KQ, or a middle size pocket pair like 99 or 77. Our opponent was concerned about our call on the flop as it meant that we could be holding a wide range of hands that beat theirs such as AJ, KJ, JJ, 88 and so on.
Therefore our strong ¾ pot size bet on the turn means that it is too expensive for our opponent to play on, and so they give up the pot. It is important that we make a strong ¾ pot size bet, as it confirms to our opponents that we may well have a strong hand and that we are not giving them the correct pot odds to call to try and improve.
A strong bet on the turn is key in making our opponent think twice about playing on with their hand.
The float play can still work even if your opponent bets on the turn after you have called their bet on the flop. Some particularly aggressive players will fire a second barrel on the turn in an attempt to take down the pot with air once more.
Therefore by re-raising what you feel is a second barrel or a particularly weak bet, you can still pull off a successful float play. However, the re-raise on the turn as a float play is a very dangerous and advanced move, which requires a very good understanding of your opponents. Consequently, you should be more inclined towards folding if you do not know your opponents well and they are making another bet on the turn.
Tips on making an effective float play.
- Have a good read on your opponent.
- Only use the float play when necessary.
It is central to note however that we should have a good read on our opponents to make a float play like this, as it is important to be sure that our opponent is the type of player that makes continuation bets, but will shut down and fold when they come up against any resistance. This means that float plays will work well against your typical tight-aggressive player, rather than calling stations that will call down bets regardless of what they think you might be representing. (See the article on putting players on a hand for hand reading.)
It is also important to remember that float plays should not be used liberally as a regular defense against the continuation bet. It is true that this play will snap off a few continuation bets from time to time, but you will find yourself in sticky situations and getting check-raised on the turn with real hands if you overuse this particular play.
The float play is not usually something that you intend to use when you enter a pot before the flop, it is a more of a play that you can consider when faced with certain situations as they arise.
Float play spots make themselves apparent as you play; you should not go actively looking for them.
Float play evaluation.
Floating is an advanced play that usually takes place at the $100NL Holdem games and higher, although it does not mean it does not take place at some of the lower limits. The fact that the bluff extends over two betting rounds and involves a good knowledge of your opponents style of play means that it is quite a sophisticated move, but it is a very satisfying play to use when it works well.
If you can learn to master the float play and understand situations where it can be successful, you will find that you will have a very powerful tool in your poker arsenal. However, as it has been mentioned in some top NL Holdem books, don't become too cocky after pulling off a successful float. Its just another standard play in an everyday game of poker that we can call upon from time to time.
Related articles.
Go back to the awesome Texas Hold'em Strategy.
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