Let It Ride

Let it Ride is a type of poker in which you do not play against a croupier or other players but you get a pay depending on the value of your set of cards. The game starts with three equal bets. Next, the players get three cards each and the croupier gets two cards "facing down". Croupier`s cards are communal cards, that is- they are a part of each player`s card set.

You value your three initial cards and based on that you can decide whether to draw one of your bets or keep it (that is-let it ride). Next, the croupier shows one of the communal cards and you can decide again whether to draw one of your bets or keep it. Finally, the second communal card is shown and the players are paid according to the following chart:

Having three cards, you should not draw back a bet if you have one of the following sets of cards in your hands:

1. A pair of tens or more ( a pair J-A, three of a kind)
2. Three cards for a royal flush
3. Three cards for a straight flush

Having four cards, you should not draw back a bet if you have one of the following card sets:

1. A pair of tens or more (a pair J-A, two pairs, three of a kind, four of a kind)
2. Four cards for a royal flush
3. Four cards for a straight flush
4. Four cards for a flush
5. Four cards for an outer straight*
6. Four cards for an inner straight, with a ten as the lowest card

*Four cards for an outer straight: it is a straight you "fill" with two different cards i.e. 3-4-5 is an outer straight; 3-4-6-7 is an inner straight. You should notice that, A-2-3-4 and J-Q-K-A are inner straights.

The above strategy decreases casino`s predominance to 3.5%.

In some casinos you can also stake $1 for an extra bonus bet. The payment of that bet is as follows:

Casino`s predominance in a bonus bet, according to the above chart is 25.5%. As you can notice, this stake is not the best bet for the player because of a very high casino`s predominance.