A Complete Let It Ride Strategy Guide for US Players 2024

Let It Ride poker is similar to many other poker and video poker games in that the house edge is somewhat dependent on the player’s skill, and you can reduce it by using a basic Let It Ride strategy.

In this Let It Ride strategy guide, you’ll learn what Let It Ride is, the odds, the payouts, how to use the optimal strategy for the game, and other top tips that will help you improve your chances of success.

What is Let It Ride Poker Online?

Let It Ride Poker is a casino game where you play against the house rather than against other players. It’s a reasonably modern game compared to other poker games at online casinos. It was first played in the 1990s and is derived from 5-card stud.

While it’s typically a video poker game, you can find versions at live casinos online and in-person casinos. The hand starts with each player placing three bets of equal value. Players are then dealt three personal cards, and two community cards are placed face-down on the table. After seeing their hole cards, players can remove one of their three bets or “let it ride”, hence the name.

After this, one of the community cards is revealed, and players can remove one of their bets or let it ride again. Finally, the second community card is revealed, and if players have a qualifying winning poker hand, which starts with pairs of 10 or better, they are paid according to the paytable.

Let it Ride 3 Card Side Bet

Many old and new casinos offer a 3-card side bet when playing Let It Ride. The 3-card side bonus pays out if a player receives a pair or better on their first three-hole cards. Players wishing to activate this bet must place an extra bet before a hand begins. The 3-card side bet is not generally recommended in the Let It Ride strategy, as the house edge is typically 7.1%.

Let it Ride 5 Card Side Bet

At certain in-person and online offshore casinos, players also have the option to place a 5-card side bet. Again while this can be appealing especially when there is a progressive jackpot where potentially millions of dollars can be up for grabs it’s not in your best interest to play. This is because this side bet has the worst house edge of Let It Ride poker. It’s typically about 22% but can be anywhere from 13.7% to 36.5%.

Three-Card & Four-Card Let It Ride Poker Strategies Explained

Like with other types of poker and casino games, certain strategies could help improve your Let it Ride poker odds of winning. Below, we look at a three-card and four-card Let It Ride betting strategy, which dictates if and when you should let it ride or withdraw your bet based on the cards you have.

Three-Card Strategy

If you follow the three-card betting strategy for Let It Ride, you will withdraw your first bet after receiving your three personal cards about 75% of the time. The following scenarios are the only times you should not reclaim your bet and let it ride.

You have any winning hand that pays out.
You have any three cards of a royal flush.
You have an open-ended straight flush (three consecutive cards of the same suit), with the lowest card being a 3.
You have three cards of the same suit that are near-consecutive but with just one gap, for example, 8h, 9h, Jh, with at least one card being 10 or higher.
You have cards of the same suit that are near-consecutive but with two gaps, and two of the cards are 10 or higher, for example,9d, Jd, Kd.

Four-Card Strategy

The Let It Ride strategy becomes slightly more straightforward at the four-card stage as you have more information about the board and possible hands. You should take your bet back unless you are in the following scenarios.

You have any winning hand: a pair (10 or better), two pairs, three-of-a-kind, or four-of-a-kind.
You have four cards to a royal flush, for example, 10d, Qd, Kd, Ad
You have four cards to a straight flush, for example, 5h,6h,7h,8h
You have four cards to a Flush, for example, 3c, 6c, 8c,10c, Kc
You have four consecutive cards to a straight with at least 1 card above 10, for example,8s,9s,10s, Js

How to Use a Let It Ride Poker Strategy

Now that you know the fundamentals of a basic Let It Ride casino game strategy, let’s look at it in action. This strategy can be broken down into two main stages when you can take back one of your bets. The first is after receiving your three personal cards and the second is after the first community card is revealed.

First Bet

As previously stated, you will pull your first bet back about three-quarters of the time. The times you do not recall your bet are if you already have a paying pair (10 or higher) or a three-of-a-kind or your hand has the potential for a royal or straight flush.

The best straight flush potential occurs if you hold three cards of the same suit in consecutive order, such as 3, 4, and 5 of hearts. In this case, you would always ride out the bet.

It’s also important to understand gaps, which are often referred to as inside straights or gut shots in poker. This is where you have a straight flush potential, but the sequence has a gap. For example, you have 8,9, 10 of diamonds instead of 8,9, J of diamonds. You have a gap in the sequence and are missing the 10 of diamonds.

If you have a straight flush with one gap and at least one of the cards is over 10, such as our 8,9, J for example you should let it ride. You should also leave your bet in if you have a straight flush with two gaps if two of the cards are over 10, for example, 9, J, K.

Nikita Jones
Editor

Expert Insight

The Let It Ride progressive jackpot side bet offered by many casinos looks very appealing with prizes often in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. However, these are a “suckers bet” and typically have a house edge of around 22% and, in some cases, may reach over 30%. This means that in the long run, you are unlikely to make a profit from these side bets.

Second Bet

Again, if you already have a winning hand, you should continue to ride. In addition, if you have four cards to a straight flush or just four cards to a flush, you should also keep your bet in.

You can also keep your bet in at this stage if you have a possible straight. However, it’s important to note the difference between the inside and outside straight. An inside straight, as we discussed, means there is a gap in the sequence, like 6,7,9,10, as you are missing the 8. An outside straight is where you have four running cards, like 6,7,8,9.

If you have an inside straight draw, you should recall the bet, but if you have an outside straight with one of the cards being 10 or higher, the bet should be ridden.

Let It Ride Odds, Payouts & House Edge

The table below highlights the Let It Ride odds, house edge, and payouts for all the winning poker hands. Not every casino always offers the same payout, but the best casinos will provide these odds, so check before you play.

Winning Hands	Payout	Odds	House Edge
Royal Flush	1000:1	1 in 649,740	3.51 % (cumulative average)
Straight Flush	200:1	1 in 72,193	3.51 % (cumulative average)
Four-of-a-Kind	50:1	1 in 4,165	3.51 % (cumulative average)
Full House	11:1	1 in 694	3.51 % (cumulative average)
Flush	8:1	1 in 508	3.51 % (cumulative average)
Straight	5:1	1 in 255	3.51 % (cumulative average)
Three-of-a-Kind	3:1	1 in 47	3.51 % (cumulative average)
Two Pair	2:1	1 in 21	3.51 % (cumulative average)
Pair (10s or better)	1:1	1 in 6	3.51 % (cumulative average)

5 Expert Tips to Keep in Mind When Playing Let It Ride

Implementing a Let It Ride casino game strategy is the best way to increase your chances of winning money, but here are some other expert tips to help you enjoy the game more, stay safe, and give yourself the best chance of succeeding.

Tip #1: Manage Your Bankroll

Poker strategy is a big part of winning the game, but good bankroll management is the most essential aspect of any type of gambling. Working out how much money you can afford to lose is critical, as it will give you your initial bankroll.

Depending on your risk aversion, you must work out how much you can stake per hand, generally between 2-5% of your total bankroll. It’s also essential to set win and loss limits as this will help you minimize losses and reduce the risk of losing any profit you make in a session.

Tip #2: Utilize Bonuses

If you are playing online, most sites offer an array of casino bonuses. These are great, especially for new players, as you can use them to learn the game and practice the Let It Ride poker strategy without risking your own money. Just make sure to check the bonus terms and conditions first to see if Let It Ride counts towards the rollover requirements.

Tip #3: Stick to the Strategy

The house edge of 3.51% for Let it Ride Poker is based on a strategy and always follows the three- and four-card strategy. If you deviate from this strategy, the house edge increases, and your chance of winning decreases, so learn the strategy by heart and stick to it no matter what.

Tip #4: Avoid Side Bets

Many in-person and online casinos offer three-card and five-card side bets. These bets are appealing as they add an extra element of excitement and perhaps a bigger payout. However, the house edge on these is much higher than the standard game, and in some cases, it can be over 30%, so it’s not a smart move to take them in the long run.

Tip #5: Check the Paytable

Not every casino pays out the same odds for Let it Ride poker, and the side bet odds can differ significantly. Check the payout for hands before playing and ensure it is not lower than the standard amount.

The Bottom Line

Using a Let It Ride card game strategy is essential if you are going to play the game. Playing without using it is giving yourself an unneeded handicap. While it doesn’t guarantee a win, you are giving yourself the best statistical chance of success.

Now that you know you know more about how to increase your chances of winning Let it Ride, you’re ready to put your knowledge to the test. Although several online casinos offer this game, we recommend checking out Wild Casino first. Here, you’ll have access to hundreds of games and bonuses that could give you the boost you need to land your next win.

Editors' Choice

$5,000 Welcome Bonus + 125 Free Spins

Weekly Cash Races up to $10,000 & variable-bet video poker
$9,000 extra in crypto bonuses and weekly 10% loss rebates
Up to 10BTC in a tiered welcome bonus, starting at $20

9.8

Review

Play Now

Other Useful Poker Guides

FAQ

How do you win at Let It Ride?

Is there a strategy to Let It Ride?

What are the odds of winning Let It Ride?

What is the maximum payout for Let It Ride?

Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be a great way to enjoy your free time. However, there are inherent risks associated with it, and players should always gamble responsibly. Gambling addictions can have terrible effects on lives, including financial stress and mental health issues.

There is no shame in seeking help if you believe you may have a problem. Below are links to some great resources that can help you address any gambling issues you or someone you know may have.

Let It Ride Strategy Guide for US Players