The $2/$5 rock who open-raises from early position and then checks the flop is not giving up. He has a big pair and he's hoping you'll bet into him.

Why they do it

$2/$5 rocks with overpairs occasionally check the flop to trap. They raised preflop, they hit an overpair on a dry board, and they want to see if you'll stab at it. When you bet, they call or raise. It's not complicated - they're just slowing down to extract value.

The adjustment

Check back the flop against a $2/$5 rock who raised preflop and then checked to you. Take the free card. Don't bet into a trap that's sitting right there.

What it's worth

Betting into a $2/$5 rock's flop check with a hand you can't call a raise with and folding to the check-raise costs you a bet for no reason. Check back and reassess the turn for free.