Example I have AK, preflop I bet strong one calls me and the flop comes 2 7 9 of different color. This is where I have my doubts, if I do not go it gives the feeling of a weak hand and my opponent takes the initiative and if I go strong I risk the opponent winning me with a mediocre pair having fattened the pot. I would like to know your way of making this play. Thanks
As some have noted, it depends on a lot of factors. Yes, effective stacks and blinds etc. but also things like opponent play-style and your table image. Play-styles are overlooked too much I think. As with many situations in poker, many "plays" could be winning/correct. Another element to consider is disguising our play. Even if I like c-betting here (which I do), then I'll still not want to c-bet 100% of the time because I like to mix in other options to make me tougher to read and play against. Here are some potential "winning" plans I think. By "winning" I mean that some players might win consistently with this, but you or I might not because we may not have the same playstyle and likewise for anyone else.
Plan #1: An argument can be made for c-betting like half pot and representing "something." I say that in quotation marks because a logical opponent realizes that you miss this board more often than you hit. They may interpret your c-bet as an actual hand or as you applying pressure and knowing they will fight back less often than they give it up. These assessments are probably correct. The c-bet right here might work because you gain "another way to win" (they might fold) and you gain value against worse
hands like draws or lower Ax hands. You are also charging them from seeing free cards if they are on a draw. This aggressive line I could see working with AK.
Plan #2: You could check this Flop and see what the opponent does. Ace-high is a hand with some showdown value, so showing "weakness" with a check when the cards are lower comes across as more straight-forward. Keep in mind that checking also keeps you flexible. You haven't shown a ton of strength yet, but you might represent something on the Turn. Say you float and the Turn is a high card like a King. You might bet to represent the King; not saying this less aggressive plan than plan #1 is worse, but you won't win right away by checking. This plan could be profitable by the right player.
Plan #3 Similar to plan #2, you realize that Ace-high might still be good, so you might bet smaller on the Flop. This sort of combines both plans #1 and #2. You have fold equity like #1 but you also aren't getting too carried away with a hand that loses to even a pair (similar to plan #2). Plan #3 is interesting, but you need the right play-style to make this work. You don't want everyone to call the flop bet with 100% of their range because the amount is so small and that would more-or-less nullify the fold equity we thought we had. It would just build the pot when we have a missed hand.
This is one thing I love about poker, there are many "winning" approaches. All winning poker approaches share certain winning elements in common, but some things are drastically different. I'd find which style works best for you and stick with it if it is winning.
p.s. One last note that the original question left out; what are the positions? Are you with AK on the BTN versus the SB or do we have AK in the CO versus an UTG player? Position matters a ton. Who has position over the other player and what does their seat "represent?" If the Flop is 279 rainbow (different colors), then this Flop looks good for the range of someone in the blinds. Someone in the Big Blind for instance might have hit any of those cards. This Flop is less likely to connect with say UTG. What is UTG holding here? Maybe A9 suited? 99 pocket pair? It is tough to come up with reasonable hands they would play here that does well on this Flop. Whatever "plan" you decide on (one of my three listed or any other winning plans out there), you should factor in table position and what "story" you are selling with your action(s).
