Pineapple Poker

Pineapple Poker is based on the popular Texas Hold ‘em Poker but comes with a twist that has resulted in this game becoming a much sought-after version in its own right.

Essentially, players will need to familiarize themselves with Texas Hold ‘em rules before they attempt to play Pineapple Poker because of the similarities between the two.

The game can be found at regular poker rooms or at a large number of internet poker rooms.

Players will also come across Crazy Pineapple, which is generally very much the same as regular Pineapple Poker, with a slight difference. This version of the game is generally more popular

Pineapple Poker Basics

Pineapple Poker is played using a standard deck of 52 cards, around a traditional poker table. The game is played against other players around the table.

How to Play

Posting Blinds

• Players around the Pineapple Poker table post a big blind and a small blind.
• The player who is seated to the left of the dealer posts a small blind.
• The player who is seated to the left of the player who placed the small blind, posts the big blind.

Dealing and Betting

• The dealer deals each player around the table three cards face down. These are called pocket cards.
• The player seated to the left of the player who posted the big blind begins the betting round.
• Betting continues clockwise around the table.
• Bets and raises are set at the lower limit..
• The maximum allowed bets per round is four per player.
• Three face up community cards are revealed by the dealer, known as the flop.
• The player to the left of the dealer begins the second betting round.
• Bets and raises are still set at the lower limit.
• After this round of betting, all players need to discard a pocket card.
• The dealer deals another community card, known as the turn.
• Another round of betting begins.
• Bets and raises are now set at the higher limit.
• The dealer deals the final community card, known as the river.
• A final round of betting begins, known as the show down.
• Bets and raises are set to the higher limit.
• Two pocket cards should be remaining.

Unique Crazy Pineapple Rules

In Crazy Pineapple, the game is usually played hi-lo split eight or better. Any combination of two hole cards and five board cards for the hi and the same – or another – for the lo hand can be used. In addition, the best hi hand wins the entire pot, as there is no qualifying hand for the lo.

The Differences between Pineapple Poker and Texas Hold'em Poker

• There are three pocket cards in Pineapple Poker instead of the two found in Texas Hold'em.
• One pocket card needs to be discarded after the flop in Pineapple Poker.

Pineapple Poker Tips and Strategies

• A general rule of thumb in any type of poker is that the more cards one is dealing with, the tighter the game play should be. As a result, players should tighten up for Pineapple Poker as it involves more cards than traditional Texas Hold'em Poker does.
• A hand from which an ace is discarded is worth more.
• Be careful with aces, especially in Crazy Pineapple. The value of the ace should not be pushed as much as one would do in Texas Hold'em. Aces are considered just another pair in this version of the game.
• A King-Queen off suit will very rarely take the pot in Pineapple Poker, although it is considered a good hand in traditional Texas Hold'em.

Conclusion

With the game of poker so popular these days, it is only natural that players will seek out fun alternatives to their favorite games. Pineapple Poker provides players with all the excitement of regular Texas Hold ‘em – by far the most popular game in the industry – and combines it with a slight rule change that makes all the difference.