If you’ve ever been to a casino, you’ve probably encountered some people playing “let it ride” poker. It’s a fairly straightforward card game that’s easy to learn and really fun to play. The game itself is loosely based on 5 card stud poker, only you are not competing against other players, but the dealer or “house”.
Starting off, each player places 3 bets of an equal value. Afterwards, everyone receives 3 cards, each being laid face down. The dealer also places 2 cards face down for him/herself. Once everyone has their cards, it’s time to take a peek at them making sure not to reveal them to the other players or the dealer.
Next, everyone will place their bets; alternatively, you cal also elect to “let it ride” and abstain. Once that is finished, the dealer will reveal one of their face down cards to everyone. As with other more common variants of stud poker, this card revealed by the dealer will be used by all the other players to build a final hand (5 cards).
Armed with this knowledge, it’s time for everyone to either place their second bets or again, “let it ride” and pull back. Note* – the 2nd bet is the only one that can be changed, the 1st can’t, nor a 3rd.
Once the 2nd bet has been placed, the dealer will reveal their 2nd face down card. Naturally, these cards (used in tandem with those of each player) will create the 5 card hand and determine the winner. You need a pair of 10’s or better to win. Depending on whether or not you “let it ride” or pulled back, you will be paid up to 3 times on the bets. i.e. – you let all bets ride = paid 3 times; relinquished the 1st bet = paid 2 times; only let the 3rd bet ride = paid 1 time.
Here are the particulars of winning hand combinations:
- Royal Flush — 1,000 to 1
- Straight Flush — 200 to 1
- Pair of 10?s or Better — 1 to 1
- Full House — 11 to 1
- Two Pair — 2 to 1
- Four of a Kind — 50 to 1
- Three of a Kind — 3 to 1
- Straight — 5 to 1
- Flush — 8 to 1
Have fun!