Two areas I've been struggling at lately is getting MAX dollar amount when I have a very strong hand after the flop and when I have TOP pair.

How do you play the following situation. You have As Qs The Flop is 9s 6s 2s

What do you do? If you bet big...everyone folds. If you check...everyone checks and may catch a boat. Lately I been letting people stay in cheap only to lose to a FULL BOAT. OR bet big and everyone folds. Looking for advice to try to maximize $$$

Also, TOP Pair. How do ypu play this? I'll have A 7, and FLOP will be A T 3. I will bet and get raised. Seems like I either stay in and lose...or Fold and lose to a worse hand.

Thanks