[RobNottsUk]

You need at least 3 ppl in the pot to give you the odds to call (and encourage the blinds to see the flop). The sooted connectors like, multi-way pots because they'll often make nut str8's, and the flushes may be good to.

When a pot has many players in, hands like AKo are comparatively weakened as you generally need 2 pair or better to win the pot.

But you may have to play tigher, if you have a "Revenge Raiser" behind you (or a maniacal limp/re-raiser), who'll ensure a 3 or 4 bet pot.

As you gain more experience, you'll start figuring out how to use the "guidelines" to vary your play, rather than play by rote.