Control method for a powertrain during a transition period of engine play

In this method of controlling (100) a powertrain of a vehicle comprising at least one step (20) of calculating a preventive torque of an internal combustion engine to limit jerks of the powertrain, the preventive torque depending on a setpoint torque, this calculating step (20) comprises a state of crossing engine play when the torque is between a first threshold and a second threshold. One of these thresholds is equal to: - the sum of a physical threshold and a dynamic threshold as long as this state has not been crossed; - only said physical threshold after this state has been crossed, this as long as the setpoint torque is greater than a predefined setpoint torque threshold.