Flop Analysis
Checking back is a solid mixed strategy here. We have a medium-strength hand that doesn't need to build a massive pot but can comfortably call most turn leads.
While checking back the flop is fine, we should bet the turn to extract value from draws and weaker pairs before the river gets complicated.
Checking back is a solid mixed strategy here. We have a medium-strength hand that doesn't need to build a massive pot but can comfortably call most turn leads.
Checking back again is a missed opportunity. The second Ace is actually a great card for our range, and we should be betting small to charge spade draws and weaker pairs like 88-66 or 9x.
Note: Checking back allows Villain to realize equity for free; a small bet (33% pot) is preferred to extract value from draws and weaker pairs.
Calling is the only play here. After checking twice, our hand is under-represented, and Villain can easily be turning missed spade draws or hands like 77 into bluffs.