[shemp]

I'm more likely to value bet AK when someone checks to me -- ie, I have position. When first, I'll bet it every once in a while when there is some paint on board (not a T-high board) and my opponent might get off a missed 5-outer, figuring whether he calls or folds, mission accomplished, but my defense against getting my AK value bet to death is check-raising the river with medium-strong hands.