Let It Ride is a simple, fun poker-based game found in many casinos. The goal is to build the best five-card poker hand possible from your own cards and the community cards. With a bit of luck and some smart strategy, you can increase your chances of winning at Just Casino Australia.
In this comprehensive guide, learn the ins and outs of playing and winning at Let It Ride poker.
Understanding How Let It Ride Poker is Played
Let It Ride poker utilizes a single standard 52-card deck and is played on a special table with space for up to seven players. Everyone plays against the dealer or house. Here’s an overview of the basic playing rules:
- Players must make three bets of equal size and place them in spots marked 1, 2, and 3 on the table.
- The dealer then distributes three community cards face down, referred to as the “flop”.
- Each player receives three cards face down as their personal hand. You can look at these but keep them out of view.
- The dealer turns over the first community card. You can now choose to “let it ride” by keeping your first wager (spot 1) in action or pull that bet back.
- The fourth community card is revealed. Again, you decide whether to leave your second wager (spot 2) or withdraw it.
- The final community card is turned up. Your third bet must stay.
- The best five-card hand is made from your three cards plus two community cards. If you beat the dealer, you get paid.
Understanding the Odds and Probabilities
The odds and probabilities associated with different hand values dictate the house edge in Let It Ride poker. The approximate chances of attaining various hands are:
- Royal flush: 1 in 650,000
- Straight flush: 1 in 72,000
- Four of a kind: 1 in 5,000
- Full house: 1 in 700
- Flush: 1 in 650
- Straight: 1 in 255
- Three of a kind: 1 in 47
- Two pair: 1 in 20
- Pair of tens or better: 1 in 5
As you can see, making at least a high pair (the minimum to win) is common, occurring 20% of the time. But hitting big hands like a straight flush is very rare. Understanding probabilities will help make smarter strategy decisions.
Implementing Optimal Let It Ride Strategy
The key strategic decision in Let It Ride poker occurs when those second and third community cards are revealed. Should you “let it ride” and leave those bets out there or play it safe and withdraw them?
Here are some strategic tips:
- With a high pair in your personal hand (jacks or better), bet all three times.
- If you have a low pair, it’s best to pull the second and third bets.
- Judge if the community cards strengthen your hand enough to leave additional bets out.
- Don’t leave all three bets out there with less than a pair in your hand.
Software can also suggest when to “let it ride” or pull back wagers based on your hand and community cards. Using these tips, you’ll mathematically increase your chances of winning.
Giving Yourself the Best Shot at Winning
Let It Ride poker balances luck and strategy. You have no control over the cards dealt but can use smarts to manipulate the odds. Follow these tips:
- Learn all the rules and hand values by heart before playing
- Brush up on poker hand hierarchies if unfamiliar
- Study basic winning strategies
- Don’t chase losing bets; stick to the odds
- Set a gambling budget and stop when you meet it
- Play for fun; don’t just try getting even
If you prepare properly, use optimal strategy, and keep a mature attitude, you’ll have the best shot at winning consistently at Let It Ride poker.
Now that you understand this popular suomi kasinot game inside and out, you’re ready to give Let It Ride poker a try. Just play responsibly, stick to your budget, and make mathematically-based decisions on when to “let it ride.” Using the strategy outlined here, you should fare better against the house than most casual players.