Let It Ride Poker - Strategy

Decisions in Let it Ride are relatively simple, and crucially, do not affect other players at the table. Not having to decide whether or not to draw cards means there is no strategic decision making to be done, but simple errors are still common in Let It Ride. Played correctly however, the house edge should be no more than 3.5%.

The first point to be made is that the optional bonus bet is best avoided. The house has a massive 13 percent edge on this bet, and while it may seem small in comparison to the three $5 bets players are forced to make, this is a false impression.

Bet (1)

The next decision is whether or not to let bet (1) ride. The criterion for letting bet (1) ride is surprisingly strict, and being overly loose is where most players fall down. For example having three cards to a flush is not enough to let it ride.

Unless you already have a paying hand (ie: a pair of tens or better) the minimum requirement for letting it ride is to have three cards to a straight flush starting not lower than a three (eg: 3d-4d-5d). You may also play with a one card gap (eg: 7h-8h-10h) but only if at least one card is a ten or above. Finally you may let bet (1) ride with a double gapped straight flush draw but only if at least two cards are a ten or better (eg: Kc-Qc-9c).

Bet (2)

Unless you already have a paying hand you should only let bet (2) ride if you have either four to a flush, four to an open-end straight (eg: 6-7-8-9), or four to an inside straight if all four cards are ten or higher (T-Q-K-A). In case your not sure, an open end straight is when all four cards are already in a run; an inside straight is when there is a gap.

Overall the strategy for Let It Ride is to play tighter than you think. You have the opportunity to take back your bets if the odds are not in your favour, and the casino is banking on your gambling side to stop you from making the correct decision. Play by the criterion above to give yourself the best chance to walk away a winner.