[crockpot]

it depends a lot on what game(s) you're playing. in pot limit omaha you should generally bet the pot unless you're making what Ciaffone calls an 'either-or' bet with a three-flush or pair on the board. (i'm assuming you face opponents who are capable of folding if they don't have much of a hand facing this bet)

in games like hold 'em, the most important thing is to give a bad price to any draw your opponent might be on, as he can't have a super-draw like in omaha. your position matters a lot too in these situations, as does your read on the opponent and the opponent's skill level. it's a big advantage if they can't recognize when you make a bet and intend to fold to a raise.