It is a little vague, but let's tacke one common scenario, ala Dan Harington
Let's put you 1OB (the cut-off)
You open raise 4xbb with Js Jc and get 1 caller in the big blind.
The flop is 10h 3h 6h.
"what do you do????"
Well, what does he do?
He checks.
a) Check
b) Bet 1/2 - 3/4 pot
c) Go all-in
Your opponent called 4xbb from a late position raiser in prime stealing position with almost 2:1
odds to call. As far as he's concerned, you could have anything therefore he could have anything. You have an over pair to the board. In all probablity you are still ahead. The flop IS suited but it is very unlikely that he has flopped a flush. If he had, checking might have been a mistake without the nuts. But, any AKQT or heart on the turn or the river might spell trouble.
Score 0 points for a) checking. There are many
hands that can outdraw you. Giving a free card would be a mistake.
Score 3 points for b) raising 1/2 to 3/4 pot. You don't mind a call here but you'd like to take this one down now.
Score 0 points for c) raising all-in. You'll see beginners doing this when they're afraid to play out the hand. Yes, you'll probably win the hand outright but the main problem with this is that ONLY a better hand will call. When you win, you'll win
small. When you lose you'll lose
BIG.