About the OG

The dream began over a decade ago. Sarah Shadel, known affectionately in the industry as the Original DreamMaker, has spent years turning a vision into reality—bringing professional-level poker to the Wild West.

Her journey took a major leap forward with the invention of Montana Let Go, a unique poker variant she developed through relentless refinement and collaboration with state regulators. The game didn’t just catch on—it was officially added to the Montana rule book, becoming a recognized part of the state’s gaming landscape.

While always keeping her eyes open for the right opportunity, Sarah crossed paths with Buck’s Bar. Owner Ted recognized her passion and potential, and together they laid the foundation for what would become the DreamMakers School of Poker. With 20 years of experience in the poker world—from humble beginnings at Doc & Eddy’s in Billings, Montana, to dealing in the legendary Thunderdome at the WSOP for ESPN—Sarah has truly seen it all.

Now, she’s excited to give back. At DreamMakers, she shares not just skills and techniques, but the real secrets of the game—the lessons learned from two decades at the felt.

History of the Game

Montana Let Go was created by Sarah Shadel in July of 2023. It came into creation at the Queen of Hearts Card Club, inside of the Crystal Lounge, located in Billings, MT. Yami Mathieu-Monge deserves partial credit in that she gave support and allowed the creation process to take place in her room. It was originally meant to be a way to teach players the meaning and value of outs by allowing them to choose which hole cards to keep. It was soon discovered that the game was fun and exciting.

Sarah and Yami have a combined 39 years and counting in the business. By creating/supporting this game they want nothing more than to bring fun and challenge to the world of Hold’em. Perhaps changing how the game is played from here on out.

Montana Let Go Rules

Montana Let Go is a fun game that allows players to choose their fate. You start with four cards and discard them one at a time (after the flop) until you’re left with a two-card Hold’em hand. Then comes the river card to change everything. If that’s not enough gambling, try it high/low style. When playing for the low hand, you must use both remaining hole cards.

These are the rules as they have been approved in Montana

This is a poker variation game with 1 – 2 winners. The high hand winner is the player with the best 5 card poker hand by combining their hole cards with 5 community cards to make the best possible poker hand. The high hand winner will receive the entire pot unless, when playing Hi/Lo, a player shows a qualifying low hand. The low hand winner is the player with the lowest 5 card poker hand containing both of their remaining cards and 3 of the community cards. To qualify, the low hand may only contain 5 distinct cards 8 or lower, an Ace counts as a low card and a high card. When playing Hi/Lo, the low hand winner receives half the pot.

Steps

1. Players receive 4 cards dealt face down to them. 
   1. Round of betting.
2. The dealer places 3 community cards for all players to use. 
   1. Round of betting.
3. Players then discard 1 of the cards dealt to them before continuing.
4. The dealer places 1 additional community card for all players to use. 
   1. Round of betting.
5. Players then discard 1 of their remaining 3 cards before continuing.
6. The dealer places 1 final community card for all players to use. 
   1. Round of betting.
7. Players reveal their cards, and the winner(s) is determined.
8. In the case of a split pot with an odd chip, that chip will go to the first player left of the button.

Best Hand: A-K-Q-J-T suited (Royal Flush)

Best Low Hand: A2345 (Wheel)