It depends. And it's GOOD that it depends
We've got a lot of new guys here, and there are a lot of posts esp. in Beginner's Circle along the lines of "did I play this right" (this isn't a complaint. Keep posting those hand histories)
Although there's a strategically superior play, a generally-more-profitable play, even what some would dare call the "correct" play, the standard answer is "it depends" and here's why.
We don't know half the important variables. You post your HH; we only know the cards. Who's at the table? What do they think of you? That guy betting into you -- did you swipe a tasty pot from him a few minutes ago?
Poker is more complicated than chess (ducks bolt of lightning from chess gods)
Here's why it's good that it depends:
Even the superior play, were it possible to process all the variables, should not be what you do every time. Good players at the table will detect your patterns. So mix it up, deliberately -- even stupidly (in moderation). It's critical that opponents not be able to read your hand accurately.
When you've got a set of aces, you should bet 'em out. But now and then go ahead and slowplay them. Let someone suck out if that's what it takes. Show your aces. Next time you're sitting there check-calling they're going to wonder.
As Mike Caro says, this is the most profitable hand you can play:
Qc Th 7s 5d 2h
(the profit comes later)
