Let It Ride
Objective
The objective of Let It Ride is to compile the highest 5-card poker
hand (containing at least a pair of tens) from three dealt cards and
two community cards while keeping the maximum bet on the table.
Betting
The player opens a round by placing three identical bets on the
betting circles. The player is dealt three cards and the dealer
places two community cards in the center of the table, face down.
Based on the favorability of the three hole cards, the player can
withdraw the first bet or "let it ride" and leave it on
the table. The dealer then reveals the first community card. Now
the player decides whether to withdraw the second bet. The second
community card is then revealed and the hand is scored. Note that
the third bet stays on the table with no option to withdraw. Also
note that withdrawing the second bet is independent of what was
done with the first.
Payoff
and the True Odds
If the player qualifies with at least a pair of tens, the payoff
is determined by the quality of the hand. The skill of the player
is in knowing when to stay and when to withdraw based on the cards
known.
| Hand |
Payoff |
True
Odds |
|
Royal flush |
1,000:1 |
649,350:1 |
| Straight
flush |
200:1 |
72,220:1 |
| Four
of a kind |
50:1 |
4,165:1 |
| Full
house |
11:1 |
694:1 |
| Flush |
8:1 |
509:1 |
| Straight |
5:1 |
255:1 |
| Three
of a kind |
3:1 |
47:1 |
| Two
pair |
2:1 |
21:1 |
|
Winning pair |
1:1 |
6:1
|
For
a definition of each of these hands see
pokerhands.html
While
the odds are marginally better for the player than in Caribbean
Stud, Let It Ride still carries about a three point edge for the
casino even with optimal play.
Optimal
Strategy
Optimal play in Let It Ride is a matter of deciding if you are going
to "stay" at the two decision points in the hand. Let's
break down the decisions, keeping in mind that 10-J-Q-K-A are "high"
cards and a "skip" is a card missing from a Straight:
Three
cards up:
"Let It Ride" on the first bet if you have:
a
paying hand: High-Card Pair or Three-of-a-Kind
three consecutive, same-suit cards valued 3-4-5 or better
three of a Straight Flush with one skip and at least one high card
(eg. 8-9-J but not 7-8-J)
three of a Straight Flush with two skips and at least two high cards
(eg. 8-J-Q but not 7-9-J)
Four cards up:
4 cards up:
"Let It Ride" on the second bet if you have:
a
paying hand: High-Card Pair, Three-of-a-Kind or Two Pair
four of any Flush
four of a Straight, no skips
four high cards |
