[deception5]

Thanks for the response - this was along the lines of what I was thinking. It reminded me a lot of the section in HEPFAP "Where the blinds are loose" since I thought there was a very good chance there would be at least 3 to the flop if I raised and then I'd have to try to protect the larger pot. Plus I already have the button.

UTG was around a 62% vp$ip and bb was around a 43%

As far as their postflop abilities, BB is definitely more aggressive and capable of check/raising (but I didn't think he'd raise 2-3 opponents from the BB without a premium hand), UTG is more of a calling station. This was my other thought - if I hit I could get paid of by UTG and if I missed I could just fold if bet into.

I agree, 78s is probably a better hand to raise here because you may pick up the pot when an ace flops and then you may improve to a nicely disguised hand. Picking up the pot when an ace flops and you actually have the ace is more of a disappointment [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]