Flop Analysis
Folding here is a significant mistake. While we only have Ace-high, we have enough equity and range-protection responsibilities to continue against a small 1/4 pot sizing. **Ranges:** SB has a massive range advantage on King-high, but they are betting almost their entire range for this size. Our Ah4c is near the top of our 'air' and functions as a vital bluff-catcher or semi-bluff candidate. **Math:** We are getting over 4:1 on a call, meaning we only need ~19% equity to continue. With 35% equity against the SB's betting range, folding is essentially throwing away money. **Plan:** Solver actually prefers a large raise as a semi-bluff at a low frequency. By raising, we put SB's weak pairs and high-card floats in a tough spot, but calling is also perfectly viable to realize our equity. --- > **Takeaway:** Against small c-bets on dry boards, you cannot fold your strongest Ace-high hands; they are required continues to meet Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF).
Note: Folding A-high with a backdoor straight draw against a 25% pot bet is over-folding; you must call or occasionally raise to protect your range.