Pineapple and Crazy Pineapple poker: rules and tips
Pineapple is a Texas Hold’em variant where each player gets three hole cards and must discard one. After that, the hand plays exactly like Texas Hold’em: two hole cards, five community cards, any combination of them. It’s popular in home games because it creates more action.
The versions
Section titled “The versions”| Version | When you discard |
|---|---|
| Pineapple | Before the preflop betting (right after the deal) |
| Crazy Pineapple | After the flop and its betting round, before the turn |
| Lazy Pineapple | At showdown — you use any two of your three cards |
House rules vary, so agree on the version before you play. (Not to be confused with Pineapple OFC, a version of Open-Face Chinese.)
How hands change
Section titled “How hands change”- With three cards, players hit the flop more often, so hands are stronger on average than in Hold’em.
- In Crazy Pineapple you can keep the two cards that fit the flop best, so made hands and draws are stronger still.
- Second-best hands (weak top pair, low flushes) lose more often.
Strategy tips
Section titled “Strategy tips”- Start with three cards that work together: pairs plus a high card, suited high cards, connected cards.
- Value strong hands, respect big bets: someone hits often.
- In Crazy Pineapple, think about what to discard carefully — keep the best made hand or the best draw to the nuts. See the nuts.
- Play fewer weak aces and kings: domination is common. See domination.
See also home poker game.
What is Pineapple poker?
Section titled “What is Pineapple poker?”A Hold’em variant where each player gets three hole cards and discards one before the betting starts.
What is the difference between Pineapple and Crazy Pineapple?
Section titled “What is the difference between Pineapple and Crazy Pineapple?”In Crazy Pineapple you discard after the flop instead of before the preflop betting.
Are hands stronger in Pineapple than in Hold’em?
Section titled “Are hands stronger in Pineapple than in Hold’em?”Yes. With three cards players hit more often, so winning hands are stronger on average.
Is Pineapple the same as Pineapple OFC?
Section titled “Is Pineapple the same as Pineapple OFC?”No. Pineapple OFC is a version of Open-Face Chinese poker.