Re: checking the river solely to make sure you get to see his cards
 

Whatever benefits you may get in seeing their hand, are offset entirely by letting them see your hand. Bet the river.

Re: checking the river solely to make sure you get to see his cards
 

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when you know you're best and are certain that your oppponent will fold if you bet

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Then you shouldn't be betting anyway, there's no value. Otherwise, the only time he calls is when he has you beat.

If there's a question of if they'd call down, then I bet for value (assuming you've got a hand anyway).