Play it from villain's perspective: What did I have?

Originally Posted by johnnyBuz

if i bet the flop, and then the turn, he probably would have reraised making his 6-T straight, then i should 3bet him all-in correct? unless he raised a significant amount, i don't think that would work and he would fold though. but the river would improve his hand even more, and i could get another chunk out of him.

That's the general idea.You'd be worried about a higher flush in this instance but, yes, assuming you didn't lose your nerve you could get it all-in.

Originally Posted by johnnyBuz

so i did leave a decent amount of money on the table here. is it always apropriate to bet your draws when you are fairly certain a made draw will give you the nuts?

It depends...