The A.A.P.F. of a Poker Dealer

Ability, attitude, professionalism, and focus are what make a poker dealer.

Working with the public as a poker dealer, as I have done for more than 15 years, is a very specialized job. When people with different types of personalities are playing for money and may have had a cocktail or two, the game could be better than an "E" ticket ride at Disneyland!

Some poker dealers acquired their ability by attending dealing schools, while others like me are self-taught. The mechanics of dealing can be learned, but are more natural for some dealers than others. Understanding the games and controlling them are important attributes of a responsible and efficient dealer. Cardroom rules vary from club to club. Some cardrooms audition dealers, and others hire upon referral. Having well-trained dealers is the key to achieving customer satisfaction. As in any position, mistakes do happen. I have learned through years of experience that acknowledging an error and correcting it with or without a floorperson's assistance, depending on the error, is the best way to handle mistakes – followed by a sincere apology to whomever it may have affected. To error is human, and it happens.

The attitudes of most dealers who enjoy their jobs is good. However, attitudes of dealers can change when certain situations occur in games. The player who is being consistently rivered or outdrawn can cause some attitude swings. Most players handle these situations properly, but occasionally players are card spikers and verbally abusive. These players need to be dealt with, and a dealer usually can handle the situation. If the situation gets out of hand, the floor manager must get involved. Maintaining a good attitude is difficult to do if there are lots of these situations occurring in various games throughout a dealer's shift. This is when a dealer's professionalism must keep his attitude in check.

Providing quality service in each game dealt throughout a shift takes what I consider focus. Many dealers over the years of their careers probably have gone through "dealer burnout" at least once, which causes them to lose their focus on the games. They go into an autopilot mode that usually results in lots of mistakes. A lack of focus leads to an inability to concentrate, read hands, follow the action, and, most importantly, control the entire game. Burnout usually can be resolved by taking some time off, and just being able to recognize it can enable a dealer to regroup his thoughts and carry on.

In all my years of dealing, I have dealt to players who play recreationally, who play for a living, and who are just learning the game. Each of them has one goal in mind – to make a profit! As a dealer, I try to provide the best possible service I can in allowing them to achieve that goal.

Shuffle up and deal!