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How to Play Let It Ride

23 October 2009

The Game

Let It Ride was first introduced to the casinos in 1993. Shuffle Master Inc, the company that makes those automatic-shuffling machines, created it. The game is popular because it offers a potential for high payouts. Because the players are not playing against each other or trying to beat the dealer, camaraderie develops among the players creating a fun atmosphere. The game and the correct playing strategy can be learned quickly.

How To Play

The game is played on a table similar to the blackjack tables. There are three circles in front of each player on the table. The circles are marked with the numbers 1 and 2 and the symbol $. To start the game, a player places three equal bets in each circle. The Shuffle Master machine deals out cards three at a time. The dealer places a three-card hand in front of each player. After each player receives his cards, the dealer discards one card leaving two cards face down in front of the dealer. The machine counts out the remaining cards into the discard tray. When this is finished the players are allowed to look at their three-card hand. At this point you have the option to take back your bet in circle number one or Let It Ride. To take back your bet, you scrape your cards on the table toward you or make a brushing motion with your hand.

After all the players have made their decisions the dealer will turn up the first of the two community cards, which are in front of the dealer. This card is used as the fourth card for all the players' hands. You now have the option of taking down your second bet or letting it ride. You may take down the second bet even if you let the first bet ride but you can not take down or put the first bet back up.

After all the players have made their decisions for the second bet, the dealer will turn up the second community card. This card completes the five-card hand for every player. At this point the dealer will pay all the winning bets according to the pay table below:

Royal Flush1,000 to 1
Straight Flush200 to 1
Four of a Kind50 to 1
Full House11 to 1
Flush8 to 1
Straight5 to 1
Three of a Kind3 to 1
Two Pairs2 to 1
Pair of Tens or Better  1 to 1

Let It Ride Strategy

The house edge for the basic game is approximately 3.5% when you play the correct strategy. You must know which hands you should take down and when to "Let It Ride". Here is the proper strategy for this game.

Let bet #1 ride if you have:

  • A Winning Hand - Pair of Tens or Better
  • A Three-Card Royal Flush
  • A Three-Card Straight Flush

Let Bet #2 Ride if you have:

  • A Winning Hand - Pair of Tens or Better
  • A Four-Card Royal or Straight Flush
  • A Four-Card Flush
  • Four High Cards
  • A Four-Card Open Ended Straight
  • A Four-Card Open Ended Straight

The Side Bet

There is an extra side bet you can make for a dollar when playing Let It Ride. In 1995 Shuffle Master created a tournament. Every three to six months, players that qualified by getting a Royal Flush when they made the side bet were invited to a million dollar tournament. The tournament has been discontinued but the side bet can still be made for a bonus payoff when certain hands are made. The pay table for the bonus varies from casino to casino. The house hdge ranges from 15 to 30% on these bets. As with most side bets offered by the casino, these should be avoided.

Let It Ride can be a fun game for the recreational player. The game is slower than blackjack. You will be dealt about 40 hands per hour. Some casinos offer lower limit games. If you take the time to learn the simple strategy you can enjoy the excitement of this table game.

Until next time remember:
Luck comes and goes.....Knowledge Stays Forever.

Bill Burton
Bill Burton is a gambling expert and best-selling author of Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold'em and 1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets. He is the former Casino Gambling columnist for About.com.

Burton's Texas Holdem book was published in 2002 long before the game became a national phenomenon. The producers of Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown used his book during the first season to teach the game to the participants.

He writes for several national gaming magazines and newsletters. These publications include: Casino Player, Strictly Slots, The Southern California Gaming Guide, Midwest Gaming and Travel magazine, Southern Gaming and Destinations magazine, Midwest Player and Blackjack Insider.

Burton is an instructor for the Golden Touch Craps dice control seminars teaching players how to gain the advantage in craps. He is an expert at all casino games and can teach players how to play any casino game as well as offering them advice to get the most out of their casino visits.

Bill Burton Websites:

www.billburton.com
www.goldentouchcraps.com

Books by Bill Burton:

1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets

> More Books By Bill Burton

Bill Burton
Bill Burton is a gambling expert and best-selling author of Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold'em and 1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets. He is the former Casino Gambling columnist for About.com.

Burton's Texas Holdem book was published in 2002 long before the game became a national phenomenon. The producers of Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown used his book during the first season to teach the game to the participants.

He writes for several national gaming magazines and newsletters. These publications include: Casino Player, Strictly Slots, The Southern California Gaming Guide, Midwest Gaming and Travel magazine, Southern Gaming and Destinations magazine, Midwest Player and Blackjack Insider.

Burton is an instructor for the Golden Touch Craps dice control seminars teaching players how to gain the advantage in craps. He is an expert at all casino games and can teach players how to play any casino game as well as offering them advice to get the most out of their casino visits.

Bill Burton Websites:

www.billburton.com
www.goldentouchcraps.com

Books by Bill Burton:

> More Books By Bill Burton