LET IT RIDE

 

For the past twenty years, casino players have enjoyed a unique card game created by Auto-Shuffler makers Shuffle Master known as Let It Ride. This variation of poker first appeared in casinos in 1993 and has since become a popular choice among players who want to win big. That is because Let It Ride is easy to learn, has a simple strategy and is a slower paced game, making it perfect for new or advanced players.

In Let It Ride, players do not compete against other players, leading to a sense of player camaraderie that is rarely experienced at a casino card table. Instead, the goal is to end up with a scoring hand. In this sense, Let It Ride is more akin to Video Poker than other variations of live table poker. Follow these simple rules to get started and the next time you see a Let It Ride table, you'll be ready to take advantage of one of the easiest-to-win games the casino has to offer.

 

Best Casinos to Play Let it Ride Online

 

 

How to Play

 

A basic understanding of winning poker hands will go a long way in learning to play Let It Ride. You don't have to be a master player, but knowing which card combinations in Five Card Stud will lead to a win is crucial knowledge as these are the same combinations, which will award you in Let It Ride.

The first thing a new player will notice is Let It Ride table's layout, which looks more like a blackjack table than a poker table. In front of each player are three betting circles marked 1, 2 and $. In order to play Let It Ride, a player must put an equal bet on all three circles. As the game progresses, the bets marked with 1 and 2 will become optional, but the bet marked with a $ will always be mandatory whether you win or lose.

As play begins, the dealer will deal three cards face down to each player. The dealer will then deal two more cards before discarding the remainder of the deck. These two cards are shared community cards, which every player will use in accordance with their three dealt cards in order to create a traditional Five Card Stud hand.

After cards are dealt, you will be allowed to look at your cards but you are usually not allowed to share the information with your fellow players as it can alter strategy and change the house's advantage. Once you have seen the cards you are dealt, you will have the option of taking back the bet you placed in the circle marked 1. Do not grab your bet from the table. Instead, use a sweeping motion with your hand or cards to indicate to the dealer that you would like to remove your bet. If you have a good hand and are confident in a win, you can keep the bet there or let it ride, hence the name of the game.

Once all bets are settled, the dealer will turn over the first of the community cards, which will account for the fourth card in your hand. After the first community card is revealed, players are given the option of removing the bet from the circle marked 2 regardless of whether or not the player removed the first bet. In this round of play, players are only allowed to remove the second bet. They are not be allowed to add back the first bet or remove it in any way if they Let It Ride in the first round.

With all bets now settled, the dealer will reveal the second community card and all winners will be assessed. Winning in Let It Ride depends on the five card hand you end up with and the amount of money you eventually bet. Players who Let It Ride both times and won will earn three times as much a player who removed the first two bets, but scored anyway. Losses are also assessed in the same manner; so smart players who are dealt lousy hands can remove the first two bets to hedge their losses.

 

Strategy

 

Let It Ride is a popular game because the only strategy for winning big is to know when to remove bets and when to Let It Ride. By mastering this simple strategy, you can maximize your winnings and cut your losses down to just a third of what you initially bet.

When the dealer first deals your cards, you are given the first opportunity to take back the first bet or Let It Ride. Only keep the bet if you have one of the following combinations:

* A pair of tens or higher.
* Any three cards that would comprise a royal flush.
* Any three cards of the same suit that could be part of a straight (threes or higher only)
* Any three cards that comprise a straight flush in a four spread when at least one card is higher or equal to ten.
* Any three cards that comprise a straight flush in a five spread when at least two cards are higher or equal to ten.

If you end up with any other combination of cards after they have been dealt, then it would be wise to have your first bet removed. Even if you pass on your first bet, you can still win big by keeping your second bet. Once the first community card is revealed, you will have another chance to take away your second bet or to Let It Ride. Only keep your second bet if the addition of the first community card gives you one of the following combinations:

* A pair of tens or higher
* Any four cards which make up a flush.
* Any four cards that are a part of an outside straight.
* Any four cards that are a part of an inside straight, but only if the cards are higher or equal to ten.

If you need a refresher, know that an outside straight is one where any two numbers can complete the straight. For example, if you have 6-7-8-9 between your hand and the community card, you would have a greater chance of completing the straight as drawing either a five or a ten would fulfill the requirements. An inside straight is a little trickier, because it means there is only one card that will complete the straight. For example, if you have 6-7-9-10 between your hand and community card, an eight must be drawn to complete the straight. Although an inside straight has less chances of succeeding than an outside straight, it is still a good bet to take as the rewards for winning can be very lucrative.

Often, depending on the casino you play at, there will be a bonus side bet in Let It Ride. These side bets are there to act as a bonus jackpot, but they are typically foolish bets. Most side bets in Let It Ride give the house such a huge advantage that it's actually one of the worst bets to make in a casino. A good strategy would be to avoid the temptation of the side bet.