How to Play Let It Ride:

Every time I go to a casino, I see a whole host of casino games I have never seen or heard of before in my life. I don't know if it is just me, but I'm starting to think that they are inventing new games all the time.



As a result, it can be tough to keep up with or learn new casino games, particularly casino card games, which require more than just sticking a coin in a slot and pulling the lever. Still, I like to make it a point to learn every card game I can so that I can vary my experiences and increase my odds of success. Let it Ride was one of the last games I learned to play, but is also one of the most fun. In case you've never played it before, I've assembled a basic rule guide for how to play let it ride and how to make the most of your experience playing it.



Let it ride is another variation of poker card games and is not played against other players or the dealer. It also uses a community hand, which is dealt and held by the dealer. To start with, each player places an equal bet on the 1 pot, 2, spot, and the $ spot. Then, each player is dealt 3 of their own cards and the dealer is dealt the two community cards. The dealer's cards are hidden at this time and the player gets a chance to remove their 1 bet or "let it ride."



At this point, one of the dealer's cards is flipped over and the next round begins. The players again have the option to remove a bet, this time the 2 bet or let it ride. At this point, the player cannot touch or place another 1 bet. After this round, the dealer flips over his final card and the final round begins. The dealer goes around the table and flips each player's hand over showing their three cards. Winning hands are as follows:

• Royal flush 1,000 to 1


• Straight flush 200 to 1


• Four of a kind 50 to 1


• Full house 11 to 1


• Flush 8 to 1


• Straight 5 to 1


• Three of a kind 3 to 1


• Two pair 2 to 1


• Pair of 10's or better 1 to 1

Although these payouts can differ by the casino, those listed above are the average payouts at most places. As you can see, a hot hand pays you extremely well, however you need a solid hand to get more than even money. Still, this game gives you a chance to take it slow and have a few options to keep or withdraw your bets as the game goes on. Oddly enough, many dealers have renamed this game: "Let it Die," because of the extremely slow pace that makes it popular for older gamblers. However, having the option of keeping or withdrawing your bet brings an added dimension to an already fun style of poker.