Hold'em Variation May Be Crazy - But Very Popular

In the Hold’em world there is a game variation called Crazy Pineapple that people either love or hate. While it has yet to be offered regularly at APL games, or casinos, it’s been growing in popularity over the years and has a very strong, cult like, following. Crazy Pineapple definitely throws some interesting twists to the game, and many seem to feel that once you’ve mastered CP, you’ve mastered all versions of Hold’em.

Right off the bat, the game starts out differently than Hold’em. Instead of receiving two cards into each player’s pocket, everybody is dealt three. This immediately opens up the opportunity for three different playing possibilities: Cards 1 & 2; 2 & 3, or 1 & 3. Just like in Hold’em, once everybody receives their pocket, a round of betting ensues.

Once bets of settled, the dealer delivers the flop. As in traditional Hold’em, another round of betting takes place. After bets for the flop have settled, things get crazy again – everybody remaining must discard one of their pocket cards.

Traditional Hold’em continues through the turn and the river. Whoever is left at the end, or the person with the best hand, wins.

I think, perhaps, my favorite part about CP Poker, is how often you’ll plan on playing two of your three cards, only to change your mind to a different set of two after the flop. Example: Let’s say I have 10h, 10d, and the six of Diamonds. I’m probably going to bet based on my pair of 10’s. However, at the flop, the Ace of Diamonds comes down, followed by the 4d and 8d. Just like that, I went from a pair of 10’s to a Flush. Immediately, I’d discard my other 10, throwing away a pair.

This may sound like a fantasy scenario, but more and more, these are the types of hands I see with Crazy Pineapple. As crazy as it sounds, I think that’s why I like it so much.