I really appreciate the input guys... this site is sweet

i tend to agree with chopper in that i like to take a stab at the pot just to see where i am. i usually get so out of hand as to bet the whole pot, however, since the pot is usually a decent size due to my preflop raise

my problem is i tend to second-guess myself after being re-raised by more aggressive players (the kind who would re-raise the flop with an open-end str8 draw, gut shot, or flush draw). i'm sure that i've lost a lot of pots in just those types of scenarios, but my thing is i don't necessarilly see an easy remedy in that spot. i absolutely hate to flat call an aggressive-type player who reraises me on the flop w/an Ace for just this reason. i generally like to be the one in the driver's seat in this type of scenario if i can possibly help it, and usually (not always, 2/3rds of the time) will let go of the hand when somebody takes that from me. i'm wondering if this is a weakness in my game; if i should be more aggressive in hands like this against aggressive players? i usually go with my instincts and when i suspect somebody is trying to steal a pot away from me i will play back at them. but these types of hands (eg: QQ Flop: A 7 5) have proven to be some of the trickier situations that arises.

i feel like i should be maximizing profits and minimizing losses in hands like this, but I'm not always sure what the best method of action is. it seems that you'll win the minimum when you're ahead (ie: villain folds to my 1/2 pot bet on the flop) and lose the maximum if you misread your opponent. i already said what i'd do against an aggressive player, but what about a rock? when they call that usually means ace with a weak kicker or maybe slow-playing a set to me. but it may mean something as weak as 2nd pair, which i could beat, or lower pockets. basically i'm interested in how you guys would suggest playing in these different situations. when do you feel it's a safe fold, and when do you think a reraise (or possibly call?) is called for (no pun intended).

again i greatly appreciate your guys' thoughts. i've been playing holdem for about 5 years now (stud for much longer) and there are still scenarios that pop up where i feel like such a donkey (as i'm sure there will be for years to come lol).

c