Rules of Pineapple Poker

Pineapple Poker (otherwise known as Crazy Pineapple) is another variant of Texas Hold'em and has grown in popularity in recent years. The game is so closely related to Hold'em, it really is worthwhile getting to grips with the rules of Texas Holdem before you try your hand at this one. Yet another game that's only real difference from Hold'em is the number of hole cards dealt (and the fact that a card is thrown away).

Before the deal, the antes and blinds would be posted as normal. Players are however dealt 3 hole cards instead of 2. You will be throwing a card away later in the game, keeping the best two. There is a first round of betting. Once the first three cards are dealt, there is a second round of betting. Again, just as in a game of Holdem, players get the chance to opt in or fold, depending on whether they feel their hole cards are strong enough to play.

Players can now throw away one of their cards (any one of the three) so that only 2 cards are left in the hand.

The game then continues as per a normal game of Hold'em. The turn card is dealt, a third round of betting, the river card and showdown - players make the best 5 card hand (see poker hand rankings), The best hand wins the pot.

The Order of Play

The illustration below indicates how the game is structured:

All players are dealt 3 Hole cards (pre flop) - First round of betting

The Flop (3 community Cards dealt)- Second round of betting

Drop one card in your hand

The Turn (4th community card)- Another round of betting

The River (5th community card) - Last round of betting

Showdown (best hand wins)

Remember when playing pre flop, pairs do not hold the same weight as in standard game of Holdem as an extra card is used by each player. It is therefore very likely that when playing that by the river, your pair will likely not hold up (unless you hit set of course). Additionally, there's less cards left in the deck - so hands are devalued.

Just as important to alter your starting hand range, it's advisable to alter your thinking around when to fold and when to play Pineapple. With one more card to choose from, all players will invariably make better hands a lot of the time. It can get pretty wild and you will regularly see flushes and straights overturned by full houses and better.

Something to keep in mind on the initial deal - getting dealt 3 cards of the same value is not a great hand for the reason that you only have one left to hit. Remember you can only use two of your hole cards so one ace is wasted.

This isn't a game that most sites offer however there are a few that offer it. Check out which sites offer Pineapple Poker or see which games are available and how rooms stack up against each game.