Let it Ride Video Poker

Out of all the video poker games, this is probably the best one to play for free. That's because, as much fun as it is (and it is fun), the house edge is quite high, so if you are playing for cash, then you would be better off playing a different version of the great game (like deuces wild, for example).

The game is based on 5 Card Stud poker, with 3 cards for the player and 2 shared cards (the community cards). It is quite a slow, gentle game, so can be popular with people that just want to relax and enjoy the game, rather than the adrenalin.

The rules of Let it Ride Video Poker

Let it Ride is a double Bonus, 3-card hand variant, where the player submits three equal amount bets in the separate betting areas. Once the wagers are confirmed, the machine will deal three cards for the player and two community cards face down.

The players will then have two choices – they can either "Let it Ride" or "Pull". Selecting the first option will reveal one of the two community cards. Once again, the players will get to decide which way to go - proceed with the hand they have or remove one of the bets. If one decides to Pull both times, only one of the three bets will be wagered, excluding the optional side bets.

The round ends when the community cards are opened and the players will win if the hand has a pair of 10s or a higher ranked combination.

Let it Ride Video Poker side bets

There are two extra bets in Let it Ride Video Poker, the Bonus bet which is usually fixed and 3 Card Bonus which the players can adjust. Side bets have their own paytable and the payout rates are worth the risk – some machines will generate 20,000 to 1 payout for Royal Flush hand or 5 to 1 for Three of a Kind.

3 Card bonus on the other hand has more moderate payouts, starting with even money for a Pair and up to 50 to 1 for a Mini Royal hand.

What is the best strategy for this variant?

The player will have to make the same decision twice, therefore, the strategy will depend on your hand before the community card is revealed and after you get to see the first card. The following 3 card hands should prompt the player to select Let it Ride:

• Three of a kind
• Pair of 10s and better
• 3 cards to Royal Flush
• 3 sequential suited cards
• 3 cards to Straight Flush with one or two high cards

After one community card is revealed, the player should ride when the 4-card hand contains a pair of 10s or up, Three of a Kind, Four of a Kind, four suited cards, four cards to outside Straight and four cards to Inside Straight.

Venues with the best Let it Ride Video Poker

One of the best places to play Let it Ride Video Poker is the famous New York-New York casino in Las Vegas, although one should not have any problems finding this variant in other casinos in Atlantic City or across exotic European resorts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RTP of Let it Ride Video Poker?

Let it Ride Video Poker has a relatively high house edge compared to other video poker variants, typically around 3.5%, giving a return to player of approximately 96.5%. This is why the game is generally recommended as better value to play for free rather than for real money stakes – the article itself suggests Deuces Wild as a better alternative if you are playing for cash.

Can I play Let it Ride Video Poker for real money?

Yes, Let it Ride Video Poker is available for real money play at venues including New York-New York casino in Las Vegas, as well as casinos in Atlantic City and European resorts. However, due to its higher house edge, real money players looking for the best value are usually better served by lower house-edge video poker games such as Deuces Wild or Jacks or Better.

How does Let it Ride Video Poker work?

Let it Ride is based on 5 Card Stud poker. Players place three equal bets, receive three cards, and two community cards are dealt face down. After seeing their hand, players choose to "Let it Ride" (keep all bets) or "Pull" (withdraw one bet). One community card is then revealed, and the decision is made again. The final hand wins with a pair of 10s or better.

What are the side bets in Let it Ride Video Poker?

Let it Ride Video Poker features two optional side bets. The Bonus bet has a fixed stake and its own pay table, capable of paying up to 20,000 to 1 for a Royal Flush and 5 to 1 for Three of a Kind. The 3 Card Bonus is adjustable and pays from even money for a Pair up to 50 to 1 for a Mini Royal hand, all independently of the main game outcome.

What is the strategy for Let it Ride Video Poker?

Before the first community card is revealed, Let it Ride on Three of a Kind, a pair of 10s or better, three cards to a Royal Flush, three sequential suited cards, or three cards to a Straight Flush with one or two high cards. After the first community card is shown, continue riding with a pair of 10s or better, Three of a Kind, Four of a Kind, four suited cards, or four cards to an outside or inside Straight.

What is the minimum winning hand in Let it Ride Video Poker?

The minimum qualifying hand in Let it Ride Video Poker is a pair of 10s. Any pair lower than 10s – such as nines, eights, or lower – does not pay out. This qualifying threshold is higher than many other video poker variants, which is one of the factors contributing to the game's higher house edge compared to games like Jacks or Better.