Crazy Pineapple is a poker variant that adds a twist to traditional Texas Hold’em by giving each player three hole cards instead of two—only to have one discarded after the flop. This unique mechanic forces players to make a critical decision: which card to throw away after seeing part of the board.
While it might seem straightforward, discarding the right card in Crazy Pineapple is a skill that separates casual players from strategic thinkers. The ability to evaluate equity, predict board development, and understand hand potential is essential for maximizing win rates.
Understanding Crazy Pineapple Rules
In Crazy Pineapple, players are dealt three hole cards. After the flop is revealed, each player must discard one card before continuing to the turn and river with the usual two.
This discard decision is what makes the game so dynamic. You get a glimpse of your hand’s potential before choosing your final two cards. The discard can either strengthen your equity or severely weaken your chances depending on your evaluation skills.
Evaluating Your Starting Hand
Before the flop even arrives, it’s important to consider how your three hole cards work together:
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Connectedness: Are the cards close in rank for straights?
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Suit synergy: Do two or more cards share the same suit for flush potential?
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High card strength: Do you have top-pair potential with strong kickers?
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Redundancy: Do two cards serve the same function (e.g., two kickers)?
Good pre-flop hands in Crazy Pineapple often include combinations like:
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A♠-K♠-Q♦ (two suited high cards and broadway potential)
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9♣-10♣-J♦ (connected cards with flush and straight draws)
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A♥-A♦-7♠ (premium pair with a discard-ready kicker)
Making the Right Discard After the Flop
Once the flop is revealed, you must choose which card to discard. Here are the key factors to guide your decision:
1. Keep the Highest Equity Combination
Identify which two cards work best with the board. Use these guidelines:
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Discard the card that doesn’t help complete your pair, draw, or made hand.
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If you have a flush or straight draw, prioritize the two cards that give you the most outs.
2. Consider Position and Opponent Action
Your seat and your opponents’ tendencies matter:
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If you’re out of position, discard conservatively and focus on hands with showdown potential.
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In late position, you might hold onto draws and speculative hands that can win big pots.
3. Discard Weaker Kickers
If you’ve flopped top pair, discard the lowest kicker unless it contributes to a draw. For instance:
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Holding A♠-K♦-9♣ on a flop of K♠-7♥-3♦, discard the 9♣ to maintain top pair/top kicker.
4. Weigh Flush and Straight Possibilities
If all three hole cards are involved in potential draws, prioritize flexibility. For example:
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A♠-J♠-10♠ on a board of Q♠-9♦-4♣ gives you a straight draw and potential flush. Discarding the 10♠ kills your straight draw, while discarding the A♠ weakens your flush—choose wisely based on read and outs.
5. Factor in Future Streets
Think beyond the flop:
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Does one of your cards offer backdoor potential (like backdoor flush or straight)?
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Could a card help complete an underdog draw if the turn is favorable?
Discarding a card too quickly can cost you valuable pot equity on future streets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Discarding too fast: Rushing the discard decision often leads to poor equity retention.
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Overvaluing pocket pairs: In multi-way pots, low pairs rarely hold up unless they improve.
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Holding onto unsuited kickers: Keep cards that add versatility to your hand, not just raw value.
Understanding when to hold onto a draw vs a made hand is a skill developed through experience and careful analysis.
FAQ
When should I discard a suited card in Crazy Pineapple?
You should discard a suited card only if it doesn’t contribute to a flush draw or conflicts with higher equity hands. Keep suited combos when there’s a realistic chance to hit a flush by the river.
Is it better to discard low cards even if they connect?
Not always. If the low card helps form a straight or contributes to a multi-way draw, it may be more valuable than a disconnected high card. Always evaluate your outs and hand synergy before discarding.
Can I discard after seeing opponents’ actions?
No, in most Crazy Pineapple formats, the discard must be made before betting resumes on the flop. You must base your decision solely on your hand and the board, not on post-flop betting patterns.