Let it Ride

 The basics of this game is in two parts; 1) earning points on a hole and 2) risking those points on the next hole.

To start the game, decide on a scoring point system much like a Stableford format:

• Bogey = 1 point
• Par = 2 points
• Birdie = 3 points
• Eagle = 4 points

Let it Ride can be played on a gross score basis using net score.  If the group is generally single digit handicappers, play gross.  If the average is higher than that, it would be best to play net handicap scores.

Decide a monetary value for each point, or for the pot you’re playing for.

Now it’s time to play.  At the conclusion of the first hole, you must decide if you want to let your points ride or bank your points.  If you do Let it Ride, you must match or improve on the points for the next hole or lose all the points from both holes.

Here’s an example:

Dave plays the first hole making a Par and secures 2 points.  If he decides to Let it Ride and makes bogey on the second hole, he loses all those points and starts out at -0- points on the third hole.  If he pars the second hole, he now has 4 points.  If Dave birdies the second hole, he now has 5 points.

Whatever the outcome on the second hole, Dave now must decide if he wants to bank his points or Let it Ride again.  If he earned a birdie on the second hole, it might be risky to Let it Ride.  If he earned par on the second hole, he has a decision to make – considering the difficulty of the hole.

This pattern continues hole by hole with players trying to accumulate as many points as possible.  How lucky do you feel???

In another example, let’s say Dave scores a bogie on the first three holes and Lets it Ride every hole and then banks his score after the third hole. 

He will earn 1+2+4 = 7 points banked.

Variations:

• Make the risk of losing points dependent only on if you earn a bogie or double bogie rather than matching or improving your last hole score.
• Modify the point value to match your groups playing ability, or betting plan.
• Forced Let it Ride for Bogies
• Limit Let it Ride to one hole. In other words, you can only let it ride every other hole, not three consecutive holes.

Recommended by Jon Curtis – Nashville, TN

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