[DavidC]

Just to answer one question, though... if there are 5 people in this, and I'm last to act UI on the flop with AJ, I'm checking.

You've got a weird situation... if people are going to fold hands like 22 it's good to bet, in order to increase your equity in the hand.

On the other hand, if you've got a guy in there with 66, and a guy with 22, and a guy with TT on a Q84 board, then betting and getting the 66 and 22 guy to fold doesn't really help you, as it only protects you from turn/rivers like A2 or K6, right? That's pretty rare, and there's some chance you'll be raised, etc.

On the other hand, it's possible that betting the flop will get you a free turn card. Even if you're not ahead, this may help you. However, if you read Weighing the Odds in Holdem (King Yao), I think that says that you have to succeed pretty often to make it a good play. Of course, I haven't read the book, so...

--Dave.