Let It Ride Rules and Strategy: A Complete Mathematical Guide
Let It Ride stands out among casino table games for a unique reason: it gives players the power to reduce their betting exposure as the hand develops. Invented in 1993 by Shuffle Master (now Scientific Games), Let It Ride combines five-card poker hand rankings with a structure that lets players pull back two-thirds of their original bet if their hand looks unpromising. This element of control appeals to many players, but understanding the mathematics is essential to know when exercising that control actually improves your expected value.
Unlike Three Card Poker or Caribbean Stud Poker where you're competing against a dealer's hand, Let It Ride is purely a pay table game. Your only goal is to make a qualifying five-card poker hand - a pair of 10s or better. The dealer doesn't play a hand against you; they simply reveal community cards and pay according to the posted pay table. This structure is similar to video poker, but with the social atmosphere of a table game. Academic research from institutions like the UNLV International Gaming Institute has analyzed the mathematics of proprietary table games like Let It Ride extensively.
How Let It Ride Works: Complete Game Structure
Let It Ride uses a standard 52-card deck and standard poker hand rankings. The game accommodates multiple players, but since there's no competition between players or against the dealer, each player's outcome depends solely on their own five-card hand.
Betting Structure
Before any cards are dealt, each player places three equal bets in the designated betting circles. These are often marked as "$," "2," and "1" or simply as three circles. All three bets must be equal amounts within the table minimum and maximum.
Example: At a $10 minimum table, you place three $10 bets for $30 total. As the hand progresses, you may be able to pull back $10 or $20 of this, leaving only $10 at risk. This is the key feature that distinguishes Let It Ride from other table games.
The Deal
After bets are placed, each player receives three cards face down. Two community cards are dealt face down in front of the dealer. These community cards will be shared by all players to form their final five-card poker hands. Players may look at their own three cards but must not share information with other players.
First Decision Point
After viewing their three cards, each player makes their first decision: either let bet 1 ride (keep it in action) or pull it back (take it off the table). This decision is made by either placing cards under the bet (let it ride) or using a scraping motion toward yourself (pull back). Understanding the expected value of each option is crucial for optimal play.
First Community Card Revealed
After all players have made their first decision, the dealer reveals the first community card. This card, combined with each player's three cards, creates a four-card hand.
Second Decision Point
Players now make a second decision on bet 2: let it ride or pull it back. This decision is independent of what you did with bet 1 - you can let bet 2 ride even if you pulled back bet 1, or vice versa.
Resolution
The dealer reveals the second community card. Each player's final five-card hand (three hole cards + two community cards) is evaluated and paid according to the pay table. Any bets that were pulled back are returned; bets that stayed in play are paid or collected based on the hand outcome.
Let It Ride Pay Table and Hand Probabilities
Let It Ride pays only on hands of a pair of 10s or better. Lower pairs (2s through 9s) do not pay, which is why they're never a reason to let your bets ride. The standard pay table used by most casinos is:
| Hand | Payout | Probability | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 1000:1 | 0.00015% | 0.15% |
| Straight Flush | 200:1 | 0.0014% | 0.28% |
| Four of a Kind | 50:1 | 0.024% | 1.20% |
| Full House | 11:1 | 0.144% | 1.58% |
| Flush | 8:1 | 0.197% | 1.58% |
| Straight | 5:1 | 0.392% | 1.96% |
| Three of a Kind | 3:1 | 2.11% | 6.33% |
| Two Pair | 2:1 | 4.75% | 9.50% |
| Pair of 10s or Better | 1:1 | 16.91% | 16.91% |
| Non-paying hand | Lose | 75.93% | - |
Approximately 24% of hands will be paying hands (pair of 10s or better), meaning about three-quarters of all hands will lose. This is why the ability to pull back bets is so valuable - most of the time you're playing defense. Understanding these probabilities is fundamental to the house edge calculation.
Optimal Let It Ride Strategy
Let It Ride strategy is determined separately for each decision point. The first decision (with only your three cards) has different criteria than the second decision (with four cards visible). Following optimal strategy reduces the house edge to approximately 3.51%.
First Decision: When to Let Bet 1 Ride
With only your three hole cards visible, let bet 1 ride in the following situations:
Let Bet 1 Ride With:
- Any winning hand: Pair of 10s, Jacks, Queens, Kings, or Aces; three of a kind
- Any three to a royal flush: Any three cards 10-J-Q-K-A of the same suit
- Three suited cards in sequence with at least one high card (10 or higher): Examples: 10-J-Q suited, 9-10-J suited
- Three to a straight flush with one gap and at least one high card: Examples: 10-Q-K suited (one gap), 9-J-Q suited
- Three to a straight flush with two gaps and at least two high cards: Example: 10-Q-A suited
All other three-card hands should result in pulling back bet 1. This includes small pairs (2s-9s), non-suited high cards, and connected cards without suited high card support. The math shows that the probability of making a paying hand isn't sufficient to justify keeping an extra unit at risk. This is similar to the fold/play decision in Three Card Poker, though the specific thresholds differ.
Second Decision: When to Let Bet 2 Ride
After the first community card is revealed, you have four cards to evaluate. The second decision uses different criteria because you're closer to the final outcome:
Let Bet 2 Ride With:
- Any winning hand: Pair of 10s or better, two pair, three of a kind, etc.
- Any four cards of the same suit: Four-flush (one card to a flush)
- Any open-ended straight draw: Four sequential cards like 5-6-7-8, 9-10-J-Q
- Any four to an outside straight with at least one high card: 10-J-Q-K (need 9 or A)
Note that with four cards, the criteria for straight draws becomes simpler. You need open-ended draws (cards that can be completed on either end), not inside draws (gutshot draws needing one specific card). An inside straight draw like 5-6-8-9 has only 4 outs, insufficient to justify keeping the bet in play.
Strategy Summary Chart
| Situation | Bet 1 (3 cards) | Bet 2 (4 cards) |
|---|---|---|
| Made hand (10s+ pair or better) | LET RIDE | LET RIDE |
| Three/four to royal flush | LET RIDE | LET RIDE |
| Four flush (four suited cards) | N/A | LET RIDE |
| Open-ended straight draw | Special* | LET RIDE |
| Three suited in sequence w/high | LET RIDE | Evaluate |
| Small pair (2s-9s) | PULL BACK | PULL BACK |
| Inside straight draw | PULL BACK | PULL BACK |
| Three flush (no straight potential) | PULL BACK | N/A |
*Special: With three cards, straight draws only qualify if they're suited and have high card support as noted in the strategy above.
The Mathematics Behind Let It Ride
Understanding why the strategy works requires examining the mathematics. Let It Ride has a house edge of approximately 3.51% of the base bet, which translates to an element of risk (edge per total wagered) of about 2.85%. This is relatively favorable compared to games like Caribbean Stud but higher than optimal blackjack play.
Effective Bet Size
While players start with three equal bets, optimal strategy pulls back bets most of the time. Analysis shows that the average number of units bet per hand using optimal strategy is approximately 3.23 units. This means on average you're keeping slightly more than one bet in play (the mandatory third bet plus occasional decisions to let bets ride). This bet structure affects how you should think about your bankroll management.
| Betting Outcome | Frequency | Units at Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Both bets pulled back | ~52% | 1 unit |
| Bet 1 pulled, bet 2 let ride | ~32% | 2 units |
| Bet 1 let ride, bet 2 pulled | ~5% | 2 units |
| Both bets let ride | ~11% | 3 units |
Why Small Pairs Don't Play
One of the most common mistakes players make is letting bets ride with small pairs. While having a pair feels like a strong starting position, the math doesn't support it. Consider a pair of 5s:
- The pair itself doesn't pay - only 10s or better qualify
- You need to improve to two pair, trips, or better to win anything
- The probability of improving is only about 28%
- The expected value of letting the bet ride is negative
The math shows that pulling back protects your bankroll better than hoping to improve a small pair. This counter-intuitive result is why studying strategy matters - gut instincts often lead players astray in casino games, as discussed in our guide to common gambling fallacies.
Let It Ride Bonus Bets and Side Wagers
Most Let It Ride tables offer an optional bonus bet, typically $1, that pays enhanced amounts for premium hands. According to research from the American Gaming Association, side bets like these are major revenue generators for casinos precisely because they carry much higher house edges.
Typical Bonus Pay Table
| Hand | Bonus Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Flush | $20,000 | 0.00015% |
| Straight Flush | $2,000 | 0.0014% |
| Four of a Kind | $400 | 0.024% |
| Full House | $200 | 0.144% |
| Flush | $50 | 0.197% |
| Straight | $25 | 0.392% |
| Three of a Kind | $5 | 2.11% |
House Edge Warning: The bonus bet typically carries a house edge of 13% to 36% depending on the pay table - many times higher than the 3.51% of the base game. As we discuss in our side bets analysis, these optional wagers are where casinos make significant profits. The bonus bet is entertainment, not a smart wager.
Let It Ride vs Other Casino Poker Games
Understanding how Let It Ride compares to similar games helps players make informed choices about where to play. The UK Gambling Commission requires casinos to disclose game rules and odds, making these comparisons possible.
| Game | House Edge | Cards Dealt | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Let It Ride | 3.51% | 5 (3+2) | Pull back bets |
| Three Card Poker | 3.37% | 3 | Fold or double |
| Caribbean Stud | 5.22% | 5 | Dealer qualification |
| Pai Gow Poker | 2.84% | 7 | Split two hands |
| Video Poker (9/6 JoB) | 0.46% | 5 | Draw cards |
Let It Ride occupies a middle ground - better than Caribbean Stud but not as favorable as Pai Gow Poker or optimal video poker. Its unique appeal comes from the control players have over bet exposure and the social table game atmosphere that video poker lacks.
Bankroll and Session Considerations
Let It Ride's volatility is moderate compared to other casino poker games. While you'll lose about three-quarters of all hands, the ability to pull back bets cushions your exposure. Use our session planner calculator to estimate your bankroll needs.
Recommended Bankroll
For a comfortable Let It Ride session, consider these guidelines:
- Minimum session bankroll: 20-25 times your base bet (e.g., $200-250 for $10 base bets)
- Comfortable session bankroll: 40-50 times your base bet
- Extended session bankroll: 75-100 times your base bet
Remember that you're placing three bets per hand, so a "$10 game" actually requires $30 per hand before any decisions. The ability to pull back bets means your actual average wager is lower, but you need enough funds to handle the initial three-unit commitment each round.
Understanding Volatility
Let It Ride has moderate volatility. The big payouts (200:1 straight flush, 1000:1 royal) are rare but create occasional large wins. Most sessions will be slightly losing affairs punctuated by occasional winning hands. This volatility pattern is covered in detail in our variance and expected value guide.
As with all gambling, responsible play means setting limits before you play. Visit BeGambleAware or the National Council on Problem Gambling if gambling is affecting your life. Check our responsible gambling resources for help tools.
Common Let It Ride Mistakes to Avoid
Players frequently make these errors that increase the house edge beyond the optimal 3.51%:
- Letting bets ride with small pairs: Pairs of 2s through 9s don't pay and don't justify the extra bet exposure
- Chasing inside straights: Gutshot draws with only 4 outs are never worth the risk
- Three-flushes without straight potential: A three-flush alone needs to improve to a five-flush - too unlikely to let bet 1 ride
- Overvaluing high cards: A-K-J unsuited looks nice but has no valid reason to let bets ride
- Always making the bonus bet: The 13-36% house edge eats into your bankroll quickly
These mistakes are driven by intuition rather than mathematics. The brain sees patterns and possibilities that don't justify the additional risk. Our guide to gambling psychology explains why we make these errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Let It Ride a good game for beginners?
Yes, Let It Ride is relatively beginner-friendly. The strategy is simpler than blackjack basic strategy, the pace is relaxed, and the ability to pull back bets gives new players a sense of control. However, the ~3.51% house edge means it's not the most economical table game for long sessions.
Can I count cards in Let It Ride?
Traditional card counting doesn't work in Let It Ride because cards are shuffled between hands. However, at multi-player tables you can gain a tiny edge by observing other players' discards before making your second decision. This edge is extremely small (under 0.1%) and casinos don't typically worry about it.
What happens if I accidentally expose my cards?
At most casinos, accidentally exposing cards results in a "misdeal" for that player - your hand is folded and bets returned. Some casinos may have stricter rules. Never deliberately share card information with other players, as this violates game integrity and can result in removal from the table.
Are online Let It Ride games fair?
Licensed online casinos use certified Random Number Generators (RNGs) that are regularly audited. Look for licenses from reputable jurisdictions like the UK, Malta, or Gibraltar. Our RNG testing guide explains how regulators verify fair play.
Key Takeaways
- House edge: 3.51% with optimal strategy
- Key strategy: Pull back bets unless you have a made hand or strong draw potential
- Never play: Small pairs (2s-9s) - they don't pay and rarely improve enough
- Avoid: The bonus bet (13-36% house edge)
- Winning frequency: About 24% of hands pay (pair of 10s or better)
- Unique feature: Only casino game where you can reduce bet exposure as cards are revealed
Let It Ride offers a unique casino experience where player decisions meaningfully affect bet exposure. While the mathematics still favor the house, understanding optimal strategy gives you the best chance to enjoy extended play. The game's relaxed pace and social atmosphere make it popular despite a house edge higher than blackjack or baccarat.
Responsible Gambling Notice: Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. The house always has a mathematical edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses. If gambling is causing problems in your life, contact NCPG (1-800-522-4700) or visit our responsible gambling resources.