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You should be happy to win a small pot rather than lose a big one.

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I agree with that statement in principle, but........

The fact that I hold AA before the flop means that I am a BIG favourite to win? I WANT a BIG pot.

My actual chances of winning the hand at the point (before the flop) aren't going to change one bit, no matter who bets or raises, etc. I know in reality the actual chance of winning gets better with less players- what I am trying to say is that I am still a big favourite to win AT THAT POINT.

Surely you raise AA to gain value? You are not raising it to thin the field? You are hoping you get called, raised, re-raised- the more the better?

Consequently, IF I thought by raising I would get 2 callers V me just calling and getting 5 callers- would I not be better doing that?

I just want to make sure my understanding of the principles is sound, rather than the exact specifics of the hole cards, no. of callers, etc.

Many thanks,
Ian