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

[Derek in NYC]

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

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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).