LET IT RIDE: Beginner’s Guide to Playing and Winning

What Is Let It Ride?

Let It Ride is a casino table game based on five-card poker, but unlike most poker variations, players don’t compete against each other or the dealer. Instead, the goal is simply to make the best five-card poker hand using three personal cards plus two community cards.

The game gets its name from the option players have to take back their bets or “let them ride” as the community cards are revealed. This creates a fun mix of strategy, control, and excitement, making Let It Ride ideal for beginners looking for simple, slow-paced gameplay with good payout potential.

How to Play Let It Ride

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Let It Ride

1. Place Three Equal Bets
   Players begin by placing three equal wagers on the table: Bet 1, Bet 2, and Bet 3.
2. Receive Three Cards
   Each player gets three face-down cards. The dealer places two community cards face down.
3. Decision 1 — Take Back or “Let It Ride”
   After looking at your cards, you can pull back your first bet or keep it in play.
4. Reveal First Community Card
   The dealer turns over the first community card.
5. Decision 2 — Take Back or “Let It Ride”
   After seeing the new card, you can pull back your second bet or leave it.
6. Reveal Second Community Card
   The final card is revealed, completing your five-card hand.
7. Payouts
   If your final hand ranks high enough, your remaining bets are paid according to the payable.

Let It Ride Hand Rankings (Highest to Lowest)

The game uses standard poker rankings:

• Royal Flush – A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit
• Straight Flush – Five consecutive cards of the same suit
• Four of a Kind – Four cards of the same rank
• Full House – Three of a kind + a pair
• Flush – Five cards of the same suit
• Straight – Five consecutive cards, mixed suits
• Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same rank
• Two Pair – Two sets of pairs
• One Pair of 10s or Better – Minimum hand needed for most payables

Beginner Tips and Let It Ride Strategy

1. Only “Let It Ride” With Strong Starting Cards – Keep your bet in play if you have a strong starting hand, such as a pair of 10s or better, three suited cards, or three cards to a straight flush. This increases your chances of winning.
2. Pull Back Bets with Weak Hands – Don’t risk money on starting cards that are unlikely to improve. Folding early helps protect your bankroll and reduces losses over time.
3. Know the Payable – Different casinos offer different payouts for the same hands. Always check the payout table before playing to make informed betting decisions.
4. Use Community Cards Wisely – Evaluate how each new community card affects your chances of completing a winning hand. Thoughtful decisions improve your overall success.
5. Manage Your Bankroll – Set clear limits, play slowly, and avoid betting more than you’re comfortable losing. Managing your bankroll ensures the game stays fun and controlled.