Long time lurker, first post

[Walrus]

First, a brief background. I am an avid reader of these forums, and a solid winner at 2/4, with over 70k hands so far this year. I have a well paying job that I enjoy, and have no delusions of turning 'pro'. That said, I am passionate about the game, as is everyone here. Recently, I started mixing in some 3/6 tables, with the goal of moving there full time once I feel comfortable. Yes, I am sufficiently bankrolled.

However, on my first few forays into this game (5k hands so far, I know, small sample, etc, I'm not looking for any statistical advice) I have noticed the game is a bit different than the 2/4. Namely, more aggressive. I've tightned up somewhat, and am working on getting my aggression level comensurate with the play. Mind you, I'm not getting killed at this game, but haven't experienced the kind of success I had at 2/4.

All of this I expected. But for the first time in a long time, I find myself lost in the middle of a hand at times. Maybe lost isn't the right word, but I am certain I am not playing optimally for this level. So, in an effort to improve, I look forward to your comments on my play. I will try to contribute to the forum as well. On to the hand... (I haven't had the luxury of using Bison's hand converter yet, but will do my best)

Party 3/6 9handed
Table is moderately loose, usually 4 to the flop, with half the hands being raised pre-flop. Both blinds are somewhat aggressive. MP3 is loose-passive.

Hero is UTG with A [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]K [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]
Hero raises, 3 folds, MP3 cold calls, 2 folds, SB raises, BB caps, all call.

<font color="blue"> (4 players, 16sb's) </font>
Flop: 8 [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]7 [img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img]4 [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]

SB checks, BB bets, Hero raises, MP3 cold calls, SB cold calls, BB 3 bets, Hero caps, all call.

<font color="blue"> (4 players, 16 bb's) </font>
Turn: 7 [img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img]

SB checks, BB checks, Hero???


This is my dilemma. At 2/4, I bet without hesitating. I know I am behind here. If I bet, and get raised, do I just call? If I check and it's checked through, is that disastrous? At first glance, this seems like a fairly straight-forward hand to me, and I'm sure it is to you too. But in principle, this is the kind of hand that at 3/6 that is giving me trouble, due to the difference in aggresion. I am becoming more accustomed to it, but it is a journey. Thanks for your thoughts....