[snowbank]

I do this every now and then. Soah's post is a very good one though... it's not flashy, but why risk a lot to win a little when you can bet a little to win a little more?

I agree, betting the flop and trying to pick up a small pot would be a good option. Based on the check and him coming out betting pot based on that flop though almost says, "hey, I'm trying to steal this pot." I think in most cases with a pot bet there he might as well be playing with his cards face up, because at LEAST 80% or more of players who did flop trips here are not coming out and betting pot. Him betting that MAKES me want to bluff at it. This is also a perfect time if you do bluff it to show your cards, and give off a wild imagine while you sit back and reap the rewards later on as people call and raise you with the nuts because of this "crazy play." Back to the large raise with nothing though. I would have raised to less than $40, and I would say that more than 80% of players wouldn't do that with trips here, but let's use those numbers. $40 to win $23.

80% of the time you win the pot right there.(+$23)
20% of the time you are raised and fold or are called and check fold the turn.(-$40)

80% times $23 = $18.4
20% times -$40= -$8

Based on this play we'll assume you are winning on average $10+.