Over the past twenty years, No-Limit Texas Hold'em has dominated the poker scene. Nevertheless, mixed game formats have seen a surge in their appeal recently.
Crazy Pineapple Pineapple is a variation of Hold'em that many players might find intriguing.
This game is less common in cash games at casinos or poker rooms, but certain tournament series do feature a Pineapple event from time to time.
Here’s an in-depth guide on how to navigate this captivating and enjoyable game.
Table of Contents
How to Play Pineapple
Pineapple shares several core rules and betting strategies with Texas Hold'em, making it a familiar format for many players.
However, it introduces some intriguing twists.
- At the start of each hand, players receive three cards rather than the usual two in Texas Hold'em.
- After receiving their cards, players must choose one to discard, and gameplay proceeds as it would in a standard hand of Hold'em.
The game maintains the same structure as Hold'em, including blinds, flop, turn, and river. However, in Pineapple poker, the timing of the card discard impacts which version of the game is being played.
In the standard Pineapple format, players discard before any bets are made , allowing them to decide on their final two cards right off the bat.
There are also a few other interesting variations of Pineapple to explore.
Crazy Pineapple is a variant that provides players with additional flexibility regarding their cards.
Crazy Pineapple
In this format, players undergo preflop betting while retaining all three cards.
The flop is revealed, and players place bets before deciding which cards to discard. The game then continues like a regular Hold'em session. Similar to standard Pineapple, card discarding comes with its challenges.
Sometimes, players may miss out on potential winning hands due to discards, which can evoke both excitement and annoyance. Many players find themselves discarding cards that could have led to a strong hand if retained.
This element adds a playful complexity, along with moments of frustration, that defines Crazy Pineapple.
In the Lazy Pineapple version, also referred to as Tahoe, players keep their third card throughout the game, which is where the 'lazy' aspect comes into play.
Lazy Pineapple
Thus, players can defer their decision on discarding until the latest possible moment.
Ultimately, players must choose two out of three cards to form their final hands. This grants them greater flexibility and the chance to craft the best possible hand, but it simplifies some aspects of decision-making.
Some might argue that this simplification reduces the excitement, as much of the thrill in Pineapple lies in early discards and the strategy they involve.
This is a variation that often gets grouped with other Pineapple-style games.
Super Hold’em
Super Hold’em is another Hold’em In Super Hold'em, players keep all three cards throughout the hand, much like in Lazy Pineapple, but with an added twist.
Here, players can form their final hand using any combination of the three cards after the river. This variant resembles Omaha in some ways, allowing players to utilize three, two, or even just one of their cards for their showdown hand.
This aspect is notably different from Omaha, where players must use two of their own cards alongside three community cards.
The betting structure remains aligned with traditional Hold'em, and the presence of an extra card in players' hands can significantly change the dynamics of the game.
It's essential to keep in mind that having three cards increases the likelihood of forming premium hands .
Pineapple Poker Strategy
Big pocket pairs seem to occur more often, as well as three-of-a-kinds at the flop and other significant hands.
So how should a player approach the game?
- Relying on standard Hold'em strategies may not yield good results in Pineapple, particularly in Crazy and Lazy variants where premium hands typically prevail.
- Thus, players should be prepared to fold potentially stronger hands than they would in traditional Hold'em.
Crucial decisions arise, particularly in no-limit formats. A hefty bet can be intimidating to call, even if your hand appears strong by No-Limit Hold'em standards.
Due to the higher chance of having a pair, adjustment for potential sets and full houses becomes vital.
Competitors are more likely to have the most robust hands available on the board at any time.
Chasing what may turn out to be a weaker hand is a sure route to loss.
- It's common for players to make hands only to lose to something superior. In contrast to Hold'em, where a hand may not always be the absolute best based on community cards, it still has a reasonable chance to win the pot. That’s less often true in Pineapple.
- Remember, like Hold'em, Pineapple can be played in Fixed Limit, Pot Limit, or No Limit variations. These distinctions also influence strategy similarly to how they do in Texas Hold'em.
Let’s take a moment to examine some key differences between Texas Hold'em and the various versions of Pineapple mentioned here.
After betting on the river (players are restricted to using two cards).
Are you new to playing Pineapple poker?
In contrast, players can utilize all three cards to create their hand.
| Texas Hold’em | Pineapple | Crazy Pineapple | Lazy Pineapple | Super Hold’em | |
| Cards dealt | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Cards available at showdown | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| When is one card discarded? | NA | Before betting or flop | After flop betting round | Tracing the precise origin of Pineapple is challenging. Some suggest it is a mix between Hold'em and Omaha, evolving organically from fans of both games. | Others believe it gained popularity in South America, particularly in Colombia and other Spanish-speaking nations. |
History of Pineapple Poker
However, the true beginnings remain elusive, and many regular poker players are not familiar with the game, yet it has a dedicated following.
California casinos are known for hosting some Pineapple games, and occasional tournaments pop up, such as those at the Borgata in Atlantic City, which now includes Pineapple events in its annual poker series.
Alas, many poker enthusiasts tend to dismiss Pineapple as a novelty or an unusual take on 'real' poker.
Finding a Game
Those seeking to enjoy Pineapple online may face challenges. Some operators provided different versions during the poker boom, but finding it has become increasingly rare in recent times.
For a chance to enjoy Pineapple, staging a home game is advisable. The game is straightforward to learn and play, making it an excellent choice for a poker night among friends.
The game proceeds similarly to Texas Hold'em, with players receiving three cards. Although there are various styles of play, typically players will discard one card before the flop, after the flop, or once all betting has concluded on the river.
Unlike standard Hold'em gameplay, players can expect to encounter premium hands more often due to the increased card options available. This significantly raises the probability of pulling off a strong hand.
A home game could prove to be the best venue for Pineapple, given its scarcity in casinos. While it may appear in poker rooms occasionally, finding it online is generally unlikely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Pineapple?
- Sean Chaffin is an established freelance writer residing in Ruidoso, New Mexico, specializing in poker, gambling, the casino industry, and a variety of other subjects. Connect with him on Twitter at @PokerTraditions or reach out via email at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net.
How does discarding affect the game?
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Where can I play Pineapple?
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