Well I received an AKo in BB and I was in doubt if it increased in this possibility, since I had the opportunity to just see the flop for free, in the doubt I decided to increase with 3x the BB. but finally the question is what is the best move for an Ako or AKs in the possession of BB when the round comes to you with only limpers, or when it comes with a raise? How would you play this hand? I leave here this question to be discussed.
AK is such a strong hand that you should almost never let other players to see the flop too cheap just by limping. I 3bet AK (off and suited) about 90% of the time and always raise when players just limp before me. Against limpers I use a simple method: 3bb + 1bb more per every limper. So, if there are two limpers before me, I raise 5bb. Three limpers, 6bb and so on.
After the flop my play depends on how many players are still in, what is the board texture and how did I improve my own hand. Against one or two players however I will cbet every single time no matter what. If I still get called, that's when I start to slow down and just fold if someone reraises me already on flop. I am pretty causious if someone calls after the flop, even when I have gotten a pair. Then I just try to keep the pot small by checking and calling. It's still good to remember that their hand wasn't originally too good if they just tried to limp. Although that doesn't of course mean that they can't have anything now. Just be careful if someone starts to show strenght and you have nothing better than a pair. Remember that in their eyes, you represented a strong hand first so they do have something good if they want to go against you.
Against more than two players, I usually just check if I didn't improve my hand and see what other players do. With draws, pair and anything better, I still keep raising because I want at least some of them out. The less players you are up against, the better chances you have. But here as well, I usually take things very causious on turn if I can't get everyone to fold. Monsters are obviously a whole other story and then I want everyone to stick around. Then I just usually check and try to provoke someone else to raise.
For me AK has always been hard to play though and it still is; I have struggled with it and lost many times with it because I have taken the
bluff too far when I haven't gotten any help on the flop and when my opponents have kept calling. Luckily nowadays I have learned to let go on turn if I don't improve my hand and someone called on flop. The key is not to give up too easily yet not to get too carried away with it if nothing good comes up.
