"We Don't Bet Each Other on the River..."

[Derek in NYC]

I encounter this often in NYC games. As long as the pot is HU, I dont really have a problem with friends softplaying each other. I have always found this to be the case, meaning, the softplayers never do so in multiway pots. Obviously, the risk to be aware of is collusion, namely aggressive play between friends on earlier streets, followed by softplay on later streets, followed by one friend mucking either on the river or at showdown. With a few exceptions, I havent ever really suspected collusion. If you do suspect collusion, it is probably best to find a different game, since "calling the floor" against regulars tends to get you nowhere.