Let It Ride Poker: The Classic Casino Game Where Patience Pays
What Is Let It Ride Poker?
Let It Ride is a casino table game based on five-card stud poker where players compete against a paytable rather than the dealer or other players. Invented by Shuffle Master in 1993, the game became one of the most popular proprietary table games in casino history. According to the American Gaming Association, Let It Ride remains a staple on casino floors due to its simple rules and player-friendly decision structure.
The distinctive feature of Let It Ride is that players can withdraw up to two-thirds of their original wager if their hand looks unfavorable. Each player receives three cards and shares two community cards with the table. The decision of whether to "let it ride" or pull back bets creates engaging gameplay where skilled players can reduce the house edge through optimal strategy.
Unlike games such as Caribbean Stud Poker or Three Card Poker where you play against the dealer's hand, Let It Ride pays based solely on the strength of your final five-card hand. There is no dealer qualification and no head-to-head comparison—you simply need a pair of 10s or better to win.
How to Play Let It Ride
The Betting Setup
Before cards are dealt, each player places three equal bets in designated circles marked "1", "2", and "$". All three bets must be the same amount—you cannot vary bet sizes within a single hand. Most casinos have minimum and maximum bet limits that apply to each of these three wagers individually.
Card Distribution
The dealer gives each player three cards face down. Two additional community cards are placed face down in front of the dealer. These community cards will be revealed one at a time during the betting rounds and will be shared by all players at the table to form their final five-card hands.
First Decision Point
After examining your three cards, you must decide whether to withdraw your first bet (circle "1") or "let it ride." If you pull back the bet, it is returned to you regardless of the outcome. If you let it ride, that bet remains in action. This decision is made before any community cards are revealed.
First Community Card Reveal
The dealer turns over the first community card. This card combines with your three hole cards to form a four-card partial hand.
Second Decision Point
You now decide whether to withdraw your second bet (circle "2") or let it ride. This decision is independent of your first decision—you can pull back the second bet even if you let the first one ride, or vice versa.
Final Card and Showdown
The dealer reveals the second community card. Your final hand is determined by your three hole cards plus the two community cards. If you have a pair of 10s or better, you are paid according to the paytable on all bets still in action. The "$" bet always remains in play—only bets "1" and "2" can be withdrawn.
Standard Payout Table
Let It Ride uses standard poker hand rankings with payouts typically structured as follows. Note that some casinos may offer slightly different payouts, particularly for the top hands:
| Hand | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 1,000 to 1 | 0.00015% |
| Straight Flush | 200 to 1 | 0.0014% |
| Four of a Kind | 50 to 1 | 0.024% |
| Full House | 11 to 1 | 0.14% |
| Flush | 8 to 1 | 0.20% |
| Straight | 5 to 1 | 0.39% |
| Three of a Kind | 3 to 1 | 2.11% |
| Two Pair | 2 to 1 | 4.75% |
| Pair of 10s or Better | 1 to 1 | 16.86% |
The total probability of receiving a paying hand is approximately 24.5%, meaning roughly one in four hands will return money. However, the distribution of these wins heavily favors the lower-paying hands. According to gambling mathematics research published by the UNLV International Gaming Institute, the pair of 10s or better accounts for the vast majority of winning hands.
Optimal Let It Ride Strategy
Unlike many casino games where strategy is complex, Let It Ride strategy is relatively straightforward. The key is knowing when your three-card or four-card hand justifies keeping extra bets in play. Following optimal strategy reduces the house edge to approximately 3.51%.
When to Let Bet 1 Ride (Three Cards)
Let your first bet ride when you hold:
- A paying hand: Pair of 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces
- Any three to a Royal Flush: Three suited cards including 10-J-Q-K-A in any combination
- Three suited cards in sequence: Such as 5-6-7 suited (except A-2-3 and 2-3-4)
- Three to a straight flush with spread of 4: With at least one high card (10+)
- Three to a straight flush with spread of 5: With at least two high cards (10+)
When to Let Bet 2 Ride (Four Cards)
After the first community card is revealed, let your second bet ride when you hold:
- A paying hand: Pair of 10s or better, two pair, trips, or any made hand
- Any four to a flush: Four cards of the same suit
- Any four to an outside straight: Such as 5-6-7-8 (four consecutive cards)
- Four high cards to a straight: 10-J-Q-K
Common Strategy Mistakes
Many players make errors that increase the house edge significantly. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Letting it ride with small pairs: Pairs of 9s and below do not pay, so there is no reason to risk extra bets
- Chasing inside straights: Four cards with a gap (like 5-6-8-9) are not worth the extra risk
- Playing hunches: The math is clear—follow the strategy chart without deviation
- Betting on the bonus: The optional bonus bet typically carries a much higher house edge
For players interested in detailed mathematical analysis of poker decisions, our poker probability guide explains the underlying mathematics of hand odds and expected value calculations.
House Edge and Expected Value
The house edge in Let It Ride with optimal play is approximately 3.51%. This is calculated based on the expected value of each possible starting hand and the optimal decisions for each situation. Research from The Wizard of Odds, a respected gambling mathematics resource, confirms this figure for the standard paytable.
This house edge compares favorably to some casino games and unfavorably to others:
- Better than: Caribbean Stud Poker (5.22%), Casino War (2.88% on initial bet), many slot machines
- Similar to: American Roulette (5.26%), some craps bets
- Worse than: Blackjack with basic strategy (0.5%), Baccarat banker bet (1.06%), Three Card Poker ante/play (3.37%)
The 3.51% house edge applies to the average unit wagered. Since players frequently withdraw bets, the effective amount risked is typically 1.22 units on average (counting the mandatory "$" bet plus partial first and second bets). This means the house edge on initial money placed on the table is closer to 2.85%.
Optional Bonus Bets
Most Let It Ride tables offer an optional side bet, often called the "3 Card Bonus" or "$1 Progressive." This bet is placed before cards are dealt and pays based on the three-card hand you receive, independent of the community cards.
Three Card Bonus Typical Payouts
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Mini Royal (A-K-Q suited) | 50 to 1 |
| Straight Flush | 40 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | 30 to 1 |
| Straight | 6 to 1 |
| Flush | 3 to 1 |
| Pair | 1 to 1 |
The house edge on the three-card bonus typically ranges from 2% to 7% depending on the specific paytable offered. While this is sometimes lower than the base game, the side bet is still a net negative expected value wager over time.
Progressive jackpots may be offered where a portion of each bonus bet contributes to a growing jackpot paid for premium hands like a Royal Flush. The house edge on progressive bets varies based on the current jackpot size—at very large jackpots, the bet may occasionally become +EV, though these situations are rare. The Nevada Gaming Control Board requires casinos to post progressive jackpot amounts and odds for player information.
Let It Ride vs Other Casino Poker Games
Understanding how Let It Ride compares to other casino poker games helps players choose the game that best fits their preferences:
| Game | House Edge | Cards Dealt | Player vs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Let It Ride | 3.51% | 3 + 2 Community | Paytable |
| Three Card Poker | 3.37% | 3 | Dealer |
| Caribbean Stud | 5.22% | 5 | Dealer |
| Ultimate Texas Hold'em | 2.19% | 2 + 5 Community | Dealer |
| Pai Gow Poker | 2.84% | 7 | Dealer |
Let It Ride's unique appeal is that there is no direct competition with the dealer. Players who prefer avoiding confrontational "beat the dealer" dynamics often enjoy Let It Ride's paytable-based structure where everyone at the table can win simultaneously.
Tips for Let It Ride Players
Bankroll Management
Since you're placing three equal bets each hand, your effective minimum is 3x the table minimum. Factor this into your session bankroll. A good rule is to have at least 30-50 betting units (90-150 times the minimum bet) for a reasonable session length. For more on managing your poker bankroll effectively, see our bankroll management guide.
Table Selection
Some casinos offer better paytables than others, particularly for the top hands. A Royal Flush paying 1,000 to 1 is standard, but some venues offer only 500 to 1, significantly increasing the house edge. Always check the posted paytable before sitting down.
Pace of Play
Let It Ride plays at a moderate pace—faster than blackjack but slower than carnival games like Three Card Poker. Expect approximately 40-60 hands per hour depending on the number of players. This slower pace means less exposure to the house edge compared to faster games.
The Psychology of Pulling Back
One psychological advantage of Let It Ride is the ability to reduce your bet when hands look bad. This gives players a sense of control and damage mitigation that pure ante-based games lack. Use this feature consistently according to optimal strategy rather than based on feelings or hunches.
History of Let It Ride
Let It Ride was invented in 1993 by Shuffle Master, a company now known as Scientific Games (acquired in 2013). The game was designed by company founder John Breeding to showcase their automatic card shufflers while creating an engaging table game format.
The game quickly became one of the most successful proprietary table games ever introduced. By the late 1990s, Let It Ride was available in casinos worldwide and generated significant licensing revenue for Shuffle Master. The game's success demonstrated that players appreciated games with player-friendly decision points and the ability to reduce exposure on weak hands.
Let It Ride's patent protection has expired, allowing casinos to offer the game without licensing fees. However, Scientific Games still owns trademark rights to the name, so some casinos offer identical games under different names like "Let 'Em Ride" or "Ride the Pot."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use card counting in Let It Ride?
Card counting provides minimal advantage in Let It Ride. Unlike blackjack where the deck composition affects future hands, Let It Ride reshuffles after each hand. Tracking exposed cards at the table provides only tiny edge improvements that are not practically exploitable.
Is Let It Ride available online?
Yes, Let It Ride is widely available at online casinos. The game plays identically to the physical version with the same paytables and house edge. Look for reputable licensed operators and verify the paytable matches standard payouts.
Why can't I withdraw the "$" bet?
The mandatory "$" bet ensures the casino always has money at risk. Without it, players could withdraw all bets on unfavorable hands and only play with money when they had guaranteed winners. The fixed bet maintains the game's expected value structure.
What happens if two players have the same hand?
Since Let It Ride is not a competitive game, ties between players are irrelevant. Each player is paid individually based on their final hand versus the paytable. Multiple players can have Royal Flushes in the same hand (using the shared community cards), and all would be paid accordingly.
Should I tip the dealer when I win?
Tipping is customary in brick-and-mortar casinos. If you win a significant hand, a small tip (typically $1-$5 or a percentage of larger wins) is appreciated. Some players tip by placing a bet for the dealer. For more on casino customs, see our poker etiquette guide.
Is Let It Ride Worth Playing?
Let It Ride offers a relaxed casino poker experience with reasonable house edge and player-friendly mechanics. The ability to withdraw bets creates genuine decision points, and the lack of dealer competition appeals to players who prefer non-confrontational gaming.
For players who enjoy traditional poker but want a simpler casino experience, Let It Ride bridges the gap between skill-based poker and pure luck-based games. The 3.51% house edge with optimal play is competitive among table games, though not as favorable as blackjack or banker bets in baccarat.
Whether you're a seasoned poker player looking for casino variety or a newcomer seeking an accessible table game, Let It Ride provides entertaining gameplay with clear rules and manageable risk—especially when you follow optimal strategy and manage your bankroll appropriately.