Let It Ride

Let It Ride online:

What is Let It Ride?

Let It Ride is a poker-based casino card game where players aim to form the best possible five-card poker hand using three dealt cards and two community cards. The game is unique because players can withdraw portions of their bet during the game if they feel their hand is weak or "let it ride" if they believe they have a strong hand. Its slower pace and strategic decisions make it a favorite among casual players.

How to Play Let It Ride

  1. Placing Bets

    • Players place three equal bets in three separate betting circles labeled 1, 2, and $ (or Bet 3).
    • These bets represent the total wager for the round.

  2. The Deal

    • Each player is dealt three cards face down, and the dealer deals two community cards face down in the center of the table.

  3. First Decision

    • After viewing their three cards, players decide whether to "let it ride" or withdraw their first bet (Bet 1).

  4. Reveal the First Community Card

    • One of the community cards is revealed.
    • Players then decide whether to let the second bet (Bet 2) ride or withdraw it.

  5. Reveal the Second Community Card

    • The second community card is revealed, completing the five-card hand.
    • The third bet (Bet 3) always stays in play, and winnings are determined based on the final hand.

Payouts in Let It Ride

Hand Payout
Royal Flush 1,000:1
Straight Flush 200:1
Four of a Kind 50:1
Full House 11:1
Flush 8:1
Straight 5:1
Three of a Kind 3:1
Two Pair 2:1
Pair of 10s or Better 1:1

Note: Payouts may vary slightly depending on the casino.

Side Bets in Let It Ride

  1. 3-Card Bonus

    • Based on the player's initial three cards.
    • Typical payouts:
      • Straight Flush: 40:1
      • Three of a Kind: 30:1
      • Straight: 6:1
      • Flush: 4:1
      • Pair: 1:1

  2. Progressive Jackpot

    • A $1 side bet gives players a chance to win a progressive jackpot for premium hands like a Royal Flush or Straight Flush.

Let It Ride Strategy

  1. First Decision (After 3 Cards)

    • Let Bet 1 ride if you have:
      • Any paying pair (10s or better).
      • Three cards to a Royal Flush.
      • Three cards to a Straight Flush with at least one gap and at least one high card (10 or better).

  2. Second Decision (After 4 Cards)

    • Let Bet 2 ride if you have:
      • Any paying hand (Pair of 10s or better).
      • Four cards to a Flush.
      • Four cards to an Open-Ended Straight.
      • Four cards to a Royal Flush or Straight Flush.

  3. Avoid Side Bets with High House Edge

    • While enticing, side bets like the Progressive Jackpot often have a significantly higher house edge (~25%).

House Edge

Advantages of Let It Ride

  1. Slower Pace

    • Ideal for casual players who enjoy a relaxed gaming environment.

  2. Lower Risk

    • Players can reduce their bet by pulling back portions if their hand is weak.

  3. High Payout Potential

    • Premium hands like a Royal Flush can result in life-changing payouts.

  4. Social Game

    • Played against the paytable rather than other players, creating a friendly atmosphere.

Disadvantages of Let It Ride

  1. High Minimum Bets

    • Requiring three equal bets per round can make the game expensive.

  2. High House Edge

    • The base house edge is higher than other table games like blackjack.

  3. Side Bet Temptation

    • Side bets can quickly deplete a bankroll due to their unfavorable odds.

Let It Ride vs. Other Casino Games

Feature Let It Ride Blackjack Three-Card Poker
House Edge ~3.51% ~0.5% (basic strategy) ~3.37%
Skill Required Moderate High Low
Pace Slow Moderate Fast
Payout Potential High Moderate High

Where to Play Let It Ride

  1. Land-Based Casinos

    • Common in many casinos, especially in poker-themed sections.

  2. Online Casinos

    • Available as digital or live dealer games.

  3. Mobile Apps

    • Many apps offer Let It Ride for both real-money and free-play options.

Future of Let It Ride

  1. Enhanced Online Features

    • Improved graphics and interactive elements in digital versions.

  2. Virtual Reality (VR) Let It Ride

    • Immersive gameplay in VR environments.

  3. Blockchain Integration

    • Transparent and provably fair gameplay using cryptocurrency.

Let It Ride is an exciting and unique addition to poker-based casino games, offering a blend of strategy, risk management, and potential for large payouts. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, it provides an engaging experience in a relaxed and social setting.