Checking on the river allows you to get away from stronger hands or get action from weaker

A poker saying 'get away from' example - by checking the river when holding say a medium strength hand, allowing the opponent to either check back or raise - if opponent raises then you can, if you are certain they aren't bluffing, 'get away from' having to risk placing,and possibly losing, a bet.


Get action from weaker hands - opponents who are checked to on the river holding weaker hands may think 'oh, I may have best hand', and bet.