The flop and the turn.
I considered all three options. Without the backdoor flush, this could very well be a fold. But I think I have too much hand to not continue here.
Raising has merit. I'll likely be able to see a showdown for one SB less, if I want it. Or, if I'm convinced I'm behind, I'll get to see two cards to improve for just an extra small bet -- well worth it.
The problem with raising the flop, though, is that I forfeit my opportunity to face the SB with a double big bet on the turn. If I raise the flop, I'm laying him 20:2, which isn't enough to get gutshots to fold. If I wait until the turn to raise, I can give him something like 13:2. That'll fold gutshots, and while I anticipate many will disagree, I think our (UTG+1 and mine) combined aggression is enough to get the SB to fold AK some portion of the time. That's a huge coup for me.
This specific turn card is a perfect one to raise, because getting 3 bet isn't a disaster since I have those flush outs.
Thanks for the replies so far. Additional thoughts appreciated, as always.
-McGee
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