Let It Ride is one of the most loved variations of casino poker. Played against the dealer, Let It Ride was derived from Five Card Stud and as such it is played with a standard 52-card deck.
HowtoCasino.com is glad to offer a comprehensive optimal strategy to use on this particular poker version, as well as on Let ‘Em Ride, Ride ‘Em Poker and Poker Pursuit (same game, different names).
Establish Your Knowledge of the Game Rules and Playthrough
This is the main rule you should follow for any new casino game you want to learn. You can’t just jump in and start applying optimal strategy tips. You need to know how the game works and its structure.
Learn how the round is played and what are the essential steps in the game. After you are certain that you know the game well enough, you can proceed to study strategy.
When to “Let It Ride” with Three Cards
The first question that you are probably asking is when it is appropriate to let the first bet ride. Our first advice is to let the bet ride if you have a payout, a winning hand.
If you hold a Pair of tens or better, you should let it ride. In other words, when you have a high Pair or Three of a Kind. The same applies to a 3-card Royal Flush.
Next, let the first bet ride if you hold suited cards in a row. The exceptions to this strategy are 2-3-4 and Ace-2-3. Do this if you also have three cards to a Straight Flush with one hole and at least one high card (ten or higher).
Another situation when it is considered correct to let it ride is when you have three cards to a Straight Flush and two holes and at least two high cards (ten or higher).
When to “Let It Ride” with Four Cards
When should you let your second bet ride? Well, do it if you have a winning hand – a Pair of tens or better, Two Pair or Three of a Kind. Should you hold four cards of the same suit, you can let it ride.
If you have any four cards to an outside Straight (an “outside” card is missing) with at least one high card, let your bet ride. The same applies when you have any four cards to an inside Straight (an “inside” card is missing) with 4 high cards.
Avoid the Bonus Bet
As for the bonus bet, or the side bet, all experienced players agree that it should be avoided. It seems harmless, but that is why many refer to it as the “sucker” bet.
Depending on the payout table for the game of Let It Ride you are playing, the house edge can go from around 14% to 30% and even higher.
