Micro levels; pot control verses weakness

Edit: title should read Micro levels, not implying Limit poker


I play very little from early position, but often end up playing from the BB/SB because it's limped and I get good pot odds to complete from the SB.

If I flop top or middle pair, I'll bet out. If I get any resistance, I'll fold unless I've got a draw as well.

If I get called, I'll check the turn to control the pot size (big hand, big pot, small hand, small pot), unless there is a draw for someone else out there and I don't want to give them a free card. I'll also check the river unless I've improved.

The problem is that people at the micro levels interpret the checks as weakness and then proceed to bet pot or more. Sometimes if I had TPGK on the flop I'll call when I can't see how the turn/river cards helped someone that called the flop bet, but most of the time I'll just fold. Harrington talks about checking as it might induce a bluff on the river, but then I don't know if he talks about calling the river bets.


What degree of comfort do you need to call the river bets?
Or should I lead at the turn and river anyways to keep the pressure on?
Or just lead the river to block bluff attempts?