Are you a fan of poker and looking for a new variation to try out? Let It Ride may be just the game for you. This poker-based game has become popular in casinos both online and offline. In this article, we will take you through the rules and strategies of Let It Ride, so you can improve your chances of winning.
What is Let It Ride?
Let It Ride is a variation of poker played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The game was invented in the 1990s by Shuffle Master Inc. and has since become a popular option for land-based and online casinos.
How to Play Let It Ride
Placing Bets
Players must place three equal bets in the designated spots on the table to start the game. Bonus bets can also be placed, but they are optional.
The Deal
The dealer then deals three cards to each player, face down, and two community cards are dealt face down in front of the dealer.
First Decision
After looking at their three cards, each player must decide whether to “let it ride” or to take back one of their bets. If a player chooses to take back a bet, they must do so before the dealer reveals the first community card.
Second Decision
Once all players have made their first decision, the dealer reveals the first community card. Players then have the option to “let it ride” or to take back another bet.
Third Decision
After the second community card is revealed, players must decide to either “let it ride” or take back their final bet. Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their hand.
Winning Hands
Let It Ride aims to create the best possible poker hand using your three cards and the two community cards. Here are the winning hands, ranked from highest to lowest:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- Pair of Tens or Better
Payouts
The payouts for winning hands in Let It Ride can vary from casino to casino but generally follow the following structure:
- Royal Flush: 1000:1
- Straight Flush: 200:1
- Four of a Kind: 50:1
- Full House: 11:1
- Flush: 8:1
- Straight: 5
Basic Strategies
While Let It Ride is a game of chance, there are still basic strategies that can help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of winning.
Optimal Strategy Chart
The optimal strategy chart is a table that shows the statistically best move for each possible hand combination. While it can be difficult to memorize, it’s a useful tool for beginners.
Three-Card Flushes
If you’re dealt three cards of the same suit, it’s a good idea to “let it ride” on all three bets, as there’s a chance you’ll hit a flush.
Three-Card Straights
If you’re dealt three cards in sequential order, it’s also a good idea to “let it ride” on all three bets, as there’s a chance you’ll hit a straight.
Three-Card Straight Flushes
If you’re dealt three cards of the same suit in sequential order, it’s a good idea to “let it ride” on all three bets, as there’s a chance you’ll hit a straight flush.
Pairs
If you’re dealt a pair of 10s or better, it’s recommended to “let it ride” on all three bets, as there’s a chance you’ll hit a three-of-a-kind or better.
Advanced Strategies
While basic strategies can help you make more informed decisions, advanced strategies require more knowledge and experience.
Knowing When to Let It Ride
One important aspect of Let It Ride is knowing when to let your bets ride. In general, you should only let your bets ride if you have a winning hand or a good chance of making a winning hand. If you have a weak hand, it’s usually best to pull back one of your bets.
Knowing When to Pull Back
Another important aspect of Let It Ride is knowing when to pull back one of your bets. If you’re dealt a weak hand, it’s usually a good idea to pull back one of your bets to minimize losses.
Mistakes to Avoid
While Let It Ride is a fun and exciting game, some mistakes can be costly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Not understanding the payouts
- Not using a basic strategy
- Letting bets ride on weak hands
Let It Ride Tournaments
Let It Ride tournaments are becoming more common in land-based and online casinos. These tournaments usually involve multiple rounds, with the winner being the player with the most chips.
FAQs
Is Let It Ride a beatable game?
While Let It Ride is a game of chance, basic strategy can help increase your chances of winning.
How much money can I win playing Let It Ride?
The money you can win playing Let It Ride depends on the casino’s payout structure.
Can I count cards in Let It Ride?
While counting cards is not illegal, it’s not a useful strategy in Let It Ride, as there are no cards to keep track of.
Can I play Let It Ride for free?
Many online casinos offer Let It Ride as a free play option, which can be a good way to practice and learn the game.
Is Let It Ride a game of luck or skill?
Let It Ride is primarily a game of luck, but using a basic strategy can increase your chances of winning.