Mini Step 4 Quandry

[USGrant]

At this early level, I think you make at least a 2x pot bet to open after the flop. If they call with a 6 there then they're not playing well. I think in the long run you have higher EV by opening the betting with top two pair in this situation in which you had checked PF from the big blind. No one is putting you on KQ here, so you can induce aggressive players with a K, Q or draw to play back at you and often lose, while at the same time you price out most players from drawing with a 6 or a gut shot.

Finishing 6-9 at Step 4 is basically losing anyway.