<< Back to Tutorials
How to Play: Ludicrous Pineapple
Description: Ludicrous Pineapple Poker is a highly engaging and entertaining variant of Texas Hold'em that adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement. In this game, players are dealt three hole cards and must discard one at different stages of the game, leading to dynamic and strategic gameplay.
Rules of Ludicrous Pineapple Poker
The game is typically played with 2-8 players and uses a standard 52-card deck. The objective is to make the best possible five-card hand using a combination of hole cards and community cards. NOTE: This game can also be played as a high/low variant.
Dealing
Each player is dealt three hole cards, face down. The game proceeds with a round of betting.
Betting Rounds and Community Cards
The game progresses similarly to Texas Hold'em, but with added twists:
- Pre-Flop: Each player is dealt three hole cards. A round of betting follows.
- Flop: The dealer reveals three community cards. A round of betting follows. After the betting round, each player must discard one of their three hole cards.
- Turn: The dealer reveals the fourth community card. A round of betting follows. After this betting round, each player must discard one of their two remaining hole cards.
- River: The dealer reveals the fifth and final community card. A final round of betting follows.
Making Hands
At showdown, players use their single remaining hole card and the five community cards to form the best possible five-card hand. The player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot.
Hand Rankings
Hand rankings in Ludicrous Pineapple Poker follow traditional poker hand rankings, from high card to royal flush:
- High Card: The highest card wins.
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
- Two Pair: Two different pairs of cards.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards of different suits.
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit.
- Full House: Three of a kind and a pair.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
- Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit.
Strategy Tips
- Choose wisely which hole cards to discard after the flop and turn, considering both your hand strength and potential future draws.
- Pay close attention to the community cards and how they interact with your remaining hole card to form the best possible hand.
- Observe your opponents' actions and betting patterns to gauge the strength of their hands.
- Manage your betting strategically, balancing aggression and caution based on your hand's potential and the likelihood of improvement through the community cards.
- Remember that discarding cards adds an extra layer of strategy, so be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.
Conclusion
Ludicrous Pineapple Poker offers an exciting twist on traditional Texas Hold'em by introducing the requirement to discard hole cards at different stages. This added strategic element makes for a dynamic and engaging game, challenging players to think ahead and adapt their strategies on the fly. Whether you're a seasoned poker player or new to the game, Ludicrous Pineapple Poker provides a refreshing and enjoyable poker experience.
Game Type: Flop, turn and river
Split Game: Can Be
Cards Dealt: 3
Max Players: 8