Greetings 2p2, I've been reading for a little while now and I wanted to ask for opinions on tough play I had last night with AAs 3x.

It's a 1/2NL full ring house game. Standard open is between 12-25 preflop and avg stack is $300.

Here's the background on the first 2 AA hands that were cracked, this plays into my table image:

1st hand was a flopped top set with a flush draw on board. I bet flop and turn at 2/3 pot and x/c a small bet on the river when the 3rd spade hit. No biggie on this one.

2nd hand: A few hands later I am UTG with AA, the button straddles ($5), the SB makes it $15, BB calls, I make it $45 and both blinds call. Flop is 3 4 6 rainbow. Its checked to me and I bet $75. SB shoves all in and covers me. BB folds and I instantly call for about $125 more. SB has 2 5 for the straight.

Advice hand: Next orbit I have AA in the BB. Button opens for $12 and SB calls. I make it $40 and both call. My stack is $300 before the hand and both opponents cover. (Pot is $120) Flop is 5 7 5 w/ 2 spades and the SB leads for $50. I think for a minute before shoving over the top. Button folds and SB calls.

Is this optimal play or should i be more cautious? I don't think I can ever hero fold here even if I suspect i'm beat because it makes me exploitable on a table with a lot of LAG players. Since i'm committed on the flop with SPR ~ 2 i just wanted to Gii. Everybody at the table thought otherwise and swore they could have folded those flops.

Please let me know if you need more detail to analyze, I apologize this is not great formatting.

Thanks so much!

It would help to have a little more info on villains, but with the hands they are playing, we probably know enough. However, will they lead or push with draws?

Hand 1 is normal bad luck.

Hand 2 I would have raised more pre -- to at least $60. Otherwise, bad luck.

Hand 3 again more pre. I'd go $50. Again, shoving is probably fine, but only if this V will bet with draws. Don't think I can fold regardless.

Great table, BTW!

Your 3 bet sizing needs to be larger. As far as stacking off with a 2SPR that is totally standard and we will be making money long term. Your only error is your 3 bets need to be larger.

Thanks to both replies. I know the V in hand # 3, he has a large stack and his lead out bet otf felt like an overpair. Betting a draw wouldn't have surprised me either. I agree its a great table just ran into the meat grinder on these two hands. Increasing the 3 bets to 4x+ seems like a better play to get HU.

I generally raise 3x plus 1x per limper/caller. More on tables that call lightly -- especially oop. Get in as much as you can.

i think its correct play

I'll second MrDoom; the only error I see is in 3bet sizing. Otherwise solid.