What do you do when you hold middle pair and dont hit the flop?

[shadyridr]

This is probably the weakest part of my game as I never know what the right play is. Say I was dealt 9's and made a raise and got 2 callers. Now say the flop comes out 2-4-K. Here's where I'm stuck. Do I take a shot at the flop hoping nobody paired up or do I check/fold? The way I normally play it is I'll make a good raise on the flop and if I'm reraised I'll fold. But if I am called that's when I really get worried. If called what do I do on the turn? Or is making the raise just throwing my chips away?

[NYCNative]

Against two callers I probably don't make a continuation bet although it is NOT "a good raise." It's a 1/2 to 2/3-pot sized stab and I will not raise someone who bets there, I will either fold or, if it is the ever-familiar donkish minimum bet, maybe I call.

Against one player, I probably do make the continuation bet. There are many more variables but that is the most obvious one that struck me from your example.

[kyro]

Bet the flop. If called, spike your set on the turn. It's not exactly rocket science.

[NYCNative]

nh