Pineapple

Introduction:

This page aims to provide guidance on the initial hand decision in Pineapple poker. Similar to Texas Hold ‘Em, Pineapple players receive three hole cards but must discard one before the flop. Unlike Crazy Pineapple or Lazy Pineapple, where discard decisions vary, this guide focuses solely on the optimal discard choice and hand strength evaluation. Expected value statistics are provided, indicating the anticipated return based on a one-unit ante. Throughout, the term “penalty” is used, denoting the disadvantage of discarding potentially valuable cards, such as rank penalties for discarding after a three of a kind, or suit penalties that reduce flush possibilities. The goal is to minimize penalties for the best chance of success.

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Assumptions:

This guide operates under the assumption of a six-player game scenario where no folding or raising occurs. Each player antes one unit, and the winning hand is determined at the end of the round.

Three of a Kind:

When dealt a three of a kind, the strategy is straightforward: retain any two cards from the set.

Pair without Suit Penalty:

In Pineapple, when holding a pair without any suit penalty, the optimal strategy is to retain the pair, ensuring a stronger hand. This approach maximizes the expected value and increases the likelihood of winning the round.

Pair with Suit Penalty:

When faced with a pair but encountering a suit penalty, players must carefully assess their options. While holding the pair remains a viable strategy, they should consider the implications of the suit penalty on their potential flush opportunities. Balancing between maximizing hand strength and mitigating penalties is key to making informed decisions in Pineapple poker.

Three Unsuited Singletons:

In Pineapple, when dealt three unsuited singletons, players face a challenging decision. Optimal strategy typically involves selecting the highest-value card to keep, considering its potential contribution to forming strong hand combinations.

Three Singletons — Lowest Two Suited:

When presented with three singletons, where the lowest two are suited, players must carefully evaluate their hand’s potential. Retaining the suited cards while discarding the singleton may enhance flush possibilities, increasing overall hand strength.

Three Singletons — Outside Two Suited:

In this scenario, where the outside two singletons are suited, players have the opportunity to pursue flush draws. Balancing between retaining suited cards for flush potential and maximizing hand value is crucial for making informed discard decisions.

Three Singletons — Highest Two Suited:

When facing three singletons with the highest two being suited, players must weigh the advantages of retaining suited cards for flush opportunities against the potential value of their highest singleton. This decision hinges on maximizing the overall strength of the hand.

Power Ratings:

Displayed below are the power ratings for all playable hands in Pineapple, assuming optimal play by retaining the two cards with the highest expected value. Some scenarios, like unsuited K-6 with a suited discard, are excluded from play. The ratings are inflated by 36.9, ensuring that the highest possible hand, A-A with a non-ace discard, holds a value of 100. While actual power ratings may vary slightly based on the rank of the discard, these values represent a weighted average.

Pair Power Ratings:

The table illustrates the power ratings of holding a pair, categorized by the presence of rank penalties (receiving a three of a kind), suit penalties (a singleton matching a card in the pair), or no penalty cards at all.