Thats funny we play a very similar game, but we call it buck'em or paycheck.
We gave up with the 1-2-3 drop the cards, and instead put a chip in our hands to avoid the hesitation issues. You cant mistakeningly hold a chip
We also do a progressive pay out (pay up the ladder) - so if you lose to two other people - your paying them both. If you beat 4 other you're in the money.
