In a 4-bet pot with shallow stacks, AK is too strong to fold once you've committed half your stack, especially when getting over 4:1 odds.
Flop Analysis
Betting small or checking are both viable; our large sizing here is slightly less efficient given the shallow SPR, but it forces the issue against SB's range.
**Ranges:** We have a massive range advantage with all the overpairs (QQ-AA), while SB's call of the 4-bet caps them, often excluding AA/KK.
**Sizing:** A smaller sizing (around 14bb) is preferred to keep the SB's range wide and allow us to realize equity or bluff more effectively. Betting 26.5bb into 56bb effectively commits us to the pot.
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> **Takeaway:** In 4-bet pots with low SPR, use smaller c-bet sizes to maintain leverage and keep villain's weaker range in.
Flop Analysis
Folding here is a significant error; we are getting incredible odds and have over 50% equity against the SB's range.
**Math:** We need only 18.4% equity to call based on the 4.4:1 pot odds. With AK, we have over 51% equity against a range that includes bluffs like AsJs or gutshots like Ac4c.
**Plan:** Once we bet half our remaining stack and face a min-click raise, we are mathematically obligated to put the rest in. Folding allows the SB to print money with any two cards.
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> **Takeaway:** Never fold AK in a 4-bet pot when the SPR is this low and you are getting better than 4:1 odds.
Note: Folding AK here is a massive mathematical mistake; you have 51% equity and only need 18% to continue.