Let it Ride poker is a variant poker game that uses the poker hand ranking, but that is about all from the original game.

Since its a game of negative expectation, you have to play correctly to trim the houses odds. This article is all about how to play let it ride poker and win as well as have some fun.

The game

Playing let it ride poker is easy.

You play against the dealer, as in blackjack, on a blackjack table in fact, but with a different felt design.

The dealer uses a 52 card deck, and shuffles as the game begins. To begin, each player must make three bets, each with at least the house minimum in each case.

There are three circles for each bet marked $, 2 and 1. The dealer then deals three cards to each player, face up, and two card (called community cards because they are used by all the players) face down.

The object is to have a pair of 10s or better. This is an automatic win. However, your three cards may be very promising and you might hope to use the two community cards to complete a great hand.

So as play begins, the dealer asks if you will let your bet stand (meaning the circle marked 1). You can leave it (let it ride), or take it back if you feel the cards you have are not promising. This bet has nothing to do with the next circle marked 2, however.

The dealer then opens one of the community cards. You check your hand, and if you have a pair of 10s or better, you are a winner. The dealer will ask if you wish to let your second bet stand. You may, or take it back.

You can never take back the bet marked $.

The dealer then opens the second community card, and you can see if you won or lost. Unlike poker, there is no bluffing, no card substitution and no raising a bet.

Strategy - play let it ride poker and win

The strategy to play win at let it ride poker is as follows:

If you have no pair of 10s in the first instance, you ask the first bet back. Simple as that. If a community card gives you pair of tens or better, you will win anyway.

If you have the makings of a flush or royal flush, you may choose to let it ride. The odds are reduced each time a card is exposed, so you can limit your losses in each instance to the $ circle bet.

Following is a guide on what to with what you dealt on the first three cards.

Play let it ride poker and win actions

 First Three Cards     Let it ride     Remove Bet Pair of 10's  or higherYes             No Three of a Kind        Yes        No 3 card possible Straight Flush        YesNo 3 card possible Royal Flush        YesNo Flush/Straight with two 10 value cardsYesNo J,9,8/10,9,7/10,8,7 of the same suitYesNo K,Q,J/Q,J,10 any suit                Yes        No Any Pairs from 2-9                No        Yes 9,10,J any suit                 No        Yes A,K,Q any suit                        No        Yes All Others                        No        Yes

If you follow the above, you can bring the odds of the house into your favor.

Now here follows some good advice for the last card betting.

You must remember that this is a negative expectation game, so if you are a winner already by the forth card, you naturally leave your bet ride for the second circle.

If you are still in a wondering position, for a flush or straight, you can let it ride if your stake is sufficient, as the odds have reduced for house greatly by this point. If not, take back your bet, and leave it for a better hand.

Play let it ride poker win and have some fun!

This is great game for its excitement and is easy play,this is a game for young and young at heart. Try it for yourself and see.