Vintage1974
Pair
You're right. I think 1/3 pot would do it as half is probably a bit too much as worse hands are more likely to call the smaller bet. No, I'm not suggesting betting 1/2 the pot as a bluff, it was more of an arbitrary sizing because I mix it up my bet sizing a lot. I also mix up my play in situations like this. I do agree with you that 3-betting here can make better aces fold as well as disguise your hand Ad3d when AK3 comes on the flop (makes players wonder if you have AK). However, I also believe that small and medium suited connectors and small suited aces work great with a lot of people in the pot when you get your draw.Why bet so much on the flop when a smaller bet will accomplish the same thing? I suggested 1/3 pot, but maybe even a little smaller is optimal. You said if we get a caller we might be 'hosed' -- Are you suggesting that you're betting half pot on the flop with two pair as a bluff? Worse hands can definitely call here.
It's much easier to play this hand after you've 3 bet because you can get credit for having all the top sets, AK, etc -- as well has having a lower SPR. Calling here is horrible from out of position IMO. Squeezing gets lots of better aces to fold, yet may keep in some hands we're ahead of.