I'll also add in your original example (dry board with one over add to my TT that isn't an ace) I often will C bet. Not doing it for info but to clean up my equity when ahead (any J, K or A is bad for us as is allowing the middle of bottom card on the board to pair) and to get value from worse hands, like middle pair, on a dry board.

So you don't consider a call valuable information, then? I was thinking that it was...I mean, it's not a fold, and not a raise. I'd say he is telling you he has a so-so hand or a draw in most cases...doesn't that help to narrow his range quite bit?

In my mind, if you look at the long run, the number of times villain(s) fold, and the number of times they raise (potentially saving you money on later streets) would make it (again, over time) better to be the aggressor.

Obviously in position is a lot different...but I think it was Gus Hanson who wrote in one of his books (I've read so many books that I lose track) that when OOP you have to find ways to reduce the positional disadvantage...

Remember that Gus Hanson calls UTG "first bluffing position," so his thoughts on aggression may be a bit much. That said, it is generally better to be the aggressor, but as cAm said, it is much more for value/equity protection reasons than for "information reasons."

On the board you listed, Q84r, if you bet half pot and get called, how valuable is that info? V probably has a Q, a pocket pair between 8 and Q, or an 8. Your ahead of half that range and behind half the range. You're very unlikely to get raised on such a dry board. Again, I'm fine betting this flop, but not because the info is so valuable but to get Vs to fold overcards with equity and get called by 8x.

Aren't there situations close enough between checking and betting where the information makes you more (or saves you more) later? I'd have to think there are some, but having trouble thinking of one. Something about bet sizing too.

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The only one that comes to mind is when oop you'd call a 1/2 PSB but would likely fold to a bigger bet. You'd bet the 1/2 PSB to avoid having to call more. However, the information is trivial to the goal of not having to pay more money for the hand.

I'd call that not an information bet, but a price-setting bet...I do this all the time OOP with draws against fairly aggressive opponents, and, particularly on the turn, you'd be surprised how often you see a fold. To me, this is one of my favorite strategic moves. Nothing worse than flopping a nice 2-way draw (maybe flush with inside straight or open-ender with a pair) and having to lay it down when villain prices you out. Plus, you take the betting lead and can sometimes find good bluffing spots on the next street.

Of course, this is not the kind of thing you want to become known for!