Don't raise AK preflop, ever acceptable?

[Matt Williams]

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In short, what I'm asking is:

Where are you extracting more value by limping AK in your example, as opposed to making the more standard play of raising with it? Assuming standard table conditions with competent players, and not freak 500bb effective stacks or other oddball scenarios.

Second, when you do make TPTK, how much heat are you willing to take with it in an unraised pot? Since you won't get credit for having AK, wouldn't that mean that you're more likley to get action from TPGK hands as well?

Third, what kind of flop are you hoping for (apart from the nut straight)?

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When I limp in w/ it, it's from a pure metagame standpoint and not from a EV standpoint. I'm willing to give up the +EV on that particular hand if it will help me win a big pot later on in the game. I only do it against good players who I play with a lot and usually only when I am the button. I also only play live and not online.

I was only using the nut straight as an example. I know it doesn't happen a lot. But the point is, if you always raise w/ it, when you don't raise your observant opponents will know you don't have AK.

BTW- I play with 3 or 4 guys 2-3x a week. So I do play a lot against them. That's why I mix it up like that. It may not and probably isn't ideal for most players, but for me it is.