Stupid question - but quick!

[lil']

I've been playing at less than my best for over a month, so forgive the stupid nature of any questions I may ask over the next few days. But anyway...

I thought my image was pretty tight. What do you do when an unknown check-raises you on the flop?

Party Poker 10/20 Hold'em (6 max, 4 handed)

Preflop: lil' is Button with 9[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img], 8[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img].
UTG folds, lil' raises, SB calls, BB calls.

Flop: (6 SB) 2[img]/images/graemlins/diamond.gif[/img], J[img]/images/graemlins/spade.gif[/img], 8[img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img] <font color="blue">(3 players) </font>
SB checks, BB checks, lil' bets, SB raises, BB folds, lil'...

[Ikke]

[gonores]

I wholeheartedly endorse the 3bet.

[lil']

You guys are right, of course. So why did I call?

[King Yao]

I think there's a couple of different ways you could go about this.

1. 3 bet.
2. call, and raise on Turn

[teemu_69]

Just curious as to why 3-betting the flop is the consensus correct play here. If you think you are winning it makes sense, but is this to prevent a check-raise bluff? Or is it to try and scare out a J with a weak kicker? I'm still learning...