Flop Analysis
Checking is a solid choice here, though we should also consider small c-bets to leverage our range advantage on an Ace-high texture. **Ranges:** We hold a slight equity advantage (53%) because our opening range contains all the strongest Ax and big pocket pairs like AA/KK, whereas the Button's flatting range is more condensed around hands like mid-pairs and suited connectors. **Board:** The presence of two spades makes this semi-wet; while we have the range advantage, our specific hand lacks any backdoor equity or spade blockers, making it a low-frequency candidate for aggression. **Plan:** By checking, we protect our range and can comfortably fold to most aggression, as we have plenty of better hands (Ax, 9x, flush draws) to defend with. --- > **Takeaway:** On Ace-high boards as the aggressor, you can check your air to stay balanced, but small c-bets are highly effective at denying equity.