Other than not playing Ace rag...

[smw1992]

GrandMelon,
Do you like larger preflop raise?

[GrandMelon]

[ QUOTE ]
GrandMelon,
Do you like larger preflop raise?

[/ QUOTE ]

I usually make it 4xbb with 0 or 1 limpers,

[Jeff76]

I raise 4xBB + 1 per limper no matter what I have if I am going to raise.

I don't like raising here with A5s because I think it has enough value to limp behind and raising makes it a bluffing hand.

[jhill3535]

I agree with the previously stated preflop raising standards, but I would like to point out that AXs usually plays better after a smaller sized raise, more like a pot sweetener raise that invites several players to play along. You are then looking to hit the flop hard against multiple opponents.

A standard sized raise is not optimal for AXs, but perhaps sometimes it should be made to help balance your strategy.

[binions]

[ QUOTE ]
How would you play this? I have been getting sucked out on all day and should have tightened up my play or quit for the day but I was tilting a little and played a few hands I normally would not play (this being one of them). I know I should not have been in the hand but once in what would you have done differently? I know this was a donk hand, fire away.

Villain is 39/9/1 over 25 hands.
Full Tilt No-Limit Hold'em, $1 BB (9 handed) Hand History Converter Tool from FlopTurnRiver.com (Format: 2+2 Forums)

BB ($30.50)
UTG ($97)
UTG+1 ($107.75)
MP1 ($81.50)
MP2 ($149.80)
Hero ($110.30)
CO ($56.80)
Button ($104.70)
SB ($56.95)

Preflop: Hero is MP3 with 5[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img], A[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img].
<font color="#666666">2 folds</font>, MP1 calls $1, <font color="#666666">1 fold</font>, <font color="#CC3333">Hero raises to $3.5</font>, <font color="#666666">1 fold</font>, Button calls $3.50, SB calls $3, <font color="#666666">1 fold</font>, MP1 calls $2.50.

Flop: ($15) J[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img], 2[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img], A[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(4 players)</font>
SB checks, MP1 checks, <font color="#CC3333">Hero bets $10</font>, Button folds, SB folds, MP1 calls $10.

Turn: ($35) 5[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img] <font color="#0000FF">(2 players)</font>
MP1 checks, <font color="#CC3333">Hero bets $30</font>, <font color="#CC3333">MP1 raises to $68 (All-In)</font>, Hero ???

[/ QUOTE ]

Usually limp behind preflop. This is a hand you normally don't want to isolate with in middle position. Rather, you'd love it if one of the blinds had rag rag hearts.

As played, your preflop raise size is fine. 3-5xBB is normal here.

On the flop, if you want to spend $10-12 to find out if your ace is good, then do so. If you get action, you must proceed cautiously.

I have a problem with the turn. Your flop bet was called. Yes, you improved to 2 pair, but unless he was calling with a draw on the flop, your hand is vulnerable. He could easily have a set or flush already. I don't want to commit my whole stack to a 2 pair hand with a flush, a straight and another straight draw already on the board.

Check behind on the turn. I know you risk a "free card." But we aren't necessarily trying to protect the pot. We are trying to protect our stack.

As played, you must have 38/171 equity or 22% to call. You have 4 outs to a boat or 8% if you are behind (assuming 555AA wins). If you are ahead, he probably has a combination draw or 11 outs (not 5s) or 22% equity. X * 78% = 14%. X = 18% = the percent you must be ahead to call.

Are you ahead 18% of the time here against 39/9/1 villain? It's close, but I don't think you can fold.