[jessanders]

I see what you're saying, but anytime I hit what could be a second-best hand on the turn, particularly the low-end of straights, I lead right out. There are too many cards that can come on the river that will beat you, a heart, a K or Q or 9, or the board pairing.

You have to find out now, not later, if your hand is good. If you lead out and get raised, then it comes down to judgement, but you've done your part.

Check-raising is a much "stronger" looking move, I think in this position, than leading out is.

I'd try to lead out with enough to deny any drawing hands, small enough to get someone with a second-best hand (A-2, Q-10, J-10) to call, and a small enough to get someone with K-Q to try and raise you off of what they think may be a drawing hand.

This is a tough line to use, especially since so many low-stakes players have set values of what a hand is worth.
i.e. "An open ended draw is worth $10, a flush draw is worth $12, top pair is worth...", and they don't pay attention to the odds.

But remember, just because THEY don't KNOW they'd be making a mistake calling, say, $8 with a flush draw into an $11 pot, they still ARE making a mistake, and if they make that mistake consistantly, they're going to lose money in the long run.

So, yeah, I'd probably lead out with about $8. It's strong enough to (it should) get people to fold draws, but not too strong to get someone to fold 2-pair or top-pair.

If I knew much about the button, b/t/w, I'd put him on either a full house or a flush by the river, but he could very-well just have trips, or nothing. I don't know how he plays, but that would be my read.