As
we just covered in our first article about Let It
Ride, this table game is one that mixes poker with
other casino table games. It has a lot in common
with Caribbean Stud Poker and it has only been
around for about 13 or 14 years. This game comes
with a big house edge, but it draws you in with the
promise of large payouts form its bonus game
offerings.
Assuming you have already read our previous article
about Let It Ride that included an introduction to
the game along with how it is played, you will find
this article helpful when learning the strategy and
know how for this great casino game.
Many casino gamblers are tempted to see this game as
a good gamble. Well, this is because it is very easy
to play and players can even take back the first two
of their three initial wagers. Then there is the
lure of huge payouts for big hands. For those of you
that implement proper know how and basic strategy
when playing this game, have a chance to reduce the
staggering house edge a bit. Yes, there’s the big
payout schedule for the bonus game.
Basic Strategy
When you have one of those so-so mediocre hands that
you are unsure about whether to keep your wager on
you can have a hard time playing this game. Some
hands that will put you right in this category are
straight draws and flush draws. They will get you in
a tizzy when it comes to making the right decision
about your bets. While the mathematics surrounding
five card hands of poker probability is not obscure
– it can be draining to players. A good betting
mentality is essential when playing Let It Ride.
Because players are constantly hoping for the big
payouts, they may think that the recommended
strategy for this casino game is too conservative.
But, based of probability, it really is not. While
many casino gamblers think that the most fun in this
game is going for the big payouts, this mentality
will not minimize any player’s loses. Many players
find themselves chasing after the big payouts with
small pairs and three card flushes and the like.
Players that use gaming smarts know that players
like that will end up with a drained bankroll. The
real point to the strategy in this game is to use it
so you minimize your loses according to the rules of
probability. You want to stay in the game as long as
possible right? The safer you play, the more chances
you have of actually hitting a royal flush – only go
for it if probability is on your side.
Some Let It Ride players even think that having the
choice to take back two of their three initial
wagers gives them more control and the right to take
more chances when they want to. After all, since
most players take back their bets when their hand is
weak, they save money in all those occasions. So,
why not take chances when you want right? This type
of mentality has a certain appeal and is a tribute
to the clever betting structure of this casino game.
The best way to think about the bets in the game is
that they are not already spent. If you are able to
have one or two of the three bets involved in the
game returned, its like being permitted to put out
one or two more. So, instead of thinking the bets
are already spent, think of them as an opportunity
to double or triple your initial bet (when the
situation favors you of course).
It
pays to take a look at the numbers and put your
dreams into reality when playing this casino game.
As long as you understand that the basic strategy
will not change the outcome of your hands. They are
what they are. Over the long term of this game, your
hands will conform to the expectations of the odds.
Keep in mind; you will probably be pulling back your
first two bets nearly 85% of the time. Again, this
is where some players are lead to believe this is
boring. It isn’t you are just being safe. This game
takes patience. It is not blackjack. You want to
hope for a quick hit when you sit down to play this
game. But, the reality is that you could possibly
sit down and lose about tweny hands before you win a
reasonable hand.
Remember, bonus game payout schedules vary from
casino to casino. Some online poker rooms will offer
great pay schedules some may not. Be sure to check
first. There are enough online poker rooms and
online casinos providing this game to be able to
shop a good one.
Other things to consider
Many casinos have a cap on the payout for any given
winning hand. Some casinos may have a lower cap than
others, so be aware of this. Even though the
possibility of you hitting a rare hand is just that
– rare, but if you should hit one, you want to be
playing at a casino that has a higher cap on
payouts. Think of like a progressive slot. If you
hit the progressive jackpot – you better have bet
the maximum or you will get shortchanged. When
playing Let It Ride, you don’t want to be
shortchanged by playing at a casino with a really
low cap on payouts.
Remember, you are not playing against the dealer or
the other players at the table. You are just playing
to achieve a winning five card hand of poker.
The
house edge is 3.5% for players that play the
strategy properly.
The
side bet for the bonus game usually carries a very
big house edge – but it will vary, so be certain
that you are comparing payout tables before making
this bet.
When playing Let It Ride, you have to be able to
roll with the punches – the major fluctuations in
your personal bank roll. You will take back your
first two bets on average of 85% of the time. Only
one quarter of the hands that you do play will not
be winners.
Use
this casino game as an alternative to slots. Also
utilize it as segway to table games with lower house
edges. As we said in our first Let It Ride article,
think blackjack, video poker, and baccarat.
This is a game that is fun as long as you understand
the expectations properly. With a strategical game
play, you can have a much better chance at winning.
Don’t be tempted by chasing rare hands when the
expectation is just not there and you will do fine.
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