More Suggestions to Dealers From One Who Has Been There

When I started to write my last column about some of my pet peeves with dealers, I thought I'd jot down a few items and be done with it. Well, I found that there are many things that aggravate me. Perhaps I am too intolerant, but I really think there are many things that can be improved in the industry in general that will make the players happier and enhance the quality of the cardroom experience for everyone. The by-product of most of my suggestions will be more money made for the house and the individual dealer. Happy players play more and tip more. Players who are not annoyed by dealers' bad habits tip more. Inasmuch as the dealer is the one key employee with whom the player will spend the most time, he should be the one who exhibits what makes the cardroom a great place for players. With that in mind, here are a few more suggestions on ways the dealer can represent the cardroom in the very best light imaginable.



Some dealers try to deal too fast. While all players love a fast-paced game, it is frustrating and nerve-wracking to see a dealer who's ill-equipped to handle a breakneck pace try to do so. A dealer should always master all aspects of the game before trying to incorporate speed into his repertoire. When a dealer deals at a pace that's faster than he is able to control, the game is fraught with misdeals and other problems. I have seen some dealers try to pitch the cards so fast that they fly everywhere, and you don't know if you received your card or your neighbor's. Fast and smooth dealers are to behold and worship. Most new dealers can't possibly emulate them, nor should they be expected to. Speed things up when you're ready to do so; the players will thank you.



Also, along the same line as speed is the pitch. Players like to have the cards dealt to them. They like them low to the table (if the pitch is too high, the cards can be easily exposed or seen by savvy players) and dealt without bouncing off their knuckles. When I am playing, I oftentimes stack my chips in a single row heading toward the middle of the table. I do this only when seated in an end seat, by the way, so that it doesn't interfere with the game nor hide my cards from the view of the other players. I am very right-handed. A good dealer sees that I play from my right side and deals the cards to me consistently on that side. When a dealer deals to the other side, I say something. If he still insists on dealing to my off side, it will be reflected in his tips. Players appreciate having the cards dealt where they want them, and a professional dealer complies happily and without an attitude. In most cases, I find that dealers are pleased to hit the right side.



Another great attribute of a good dealer is silence. It really is golden. A dealer should be invisible, for the most part, and speak only to welcome a new player, thank a departing player for playing, answer game-related questions, thank a player for a tip, and run the game. Extraneous chatter from the box is seldom welcomed by the players, especially those who are stuck. The players want the meat without the potatoes. Sometimes, in a smallish game, the atmosphere will be lighter and provide more opportunity for the dealer to take part in the conversation. Without compromising how the game is being run, the dealer might appropriately join in, but these situations are few and far between. Dealers, please err on the side of being quiet. Less truly is more.



Another dealer no-no is to give lessons while in the box, and/or make comments that in any way influence the action. Remember the rule, one player to a hand? That applies to the dealers, as well. When a dealer makes comments such as, "Aren't you going to call that?" or, "You aren't going to let him bluff you out, are you?" it interferes directly with the game, is annoying, and is against the rules. When you call a hand, don't give hints about another player's hand or the board. If there are four spades on the board, don't say anything like, "OK, who's got the highest spade?" This is leading the player who might have overlooked his hand, and is against the rules. Don't tell players that they play well, badly, or otherwise. Please just run the game and leave your weekend plans or last night's dinner out of it. We all will enjoy the game more and your tokes will go up.



Speaking of tokes, I have comments about them, as well. Please don't "suck up" for tips. Tip hustling is against the rules of every cardroom in which I have played. Don't make comments such as, "Nice pot," or, "Wow, I'll bet that made you a good winner for the night." Not only don't we want to hear it, but it will hurt your tips rather than help them. The best way to make the most money possible is to run the game smoothly and quietly. When you push the pot, do so in the correct way: push the pot, move the button, drop the rake. Then, and only then, pick up any tip that is thrown to you. Look the player in the eye and say, "Thank you," along with a gentle tap on the rack. Whether the tip is large or small, this is the only correct way to receive it. There should be no sarcasm over a small tip and no fawning over a large one. Simply say, "Thank you," with eye contact – period. Dealers who loudly beat a tip on the side of the rack annoy me, and I know I am not alone. If you are not having a good down financially, accept that fact with grace. Beating the tip on the rack to gain attention to having received a toke is no way to make a fan club of the players. Those who choose to tip will do so, and those who don't, won't. That loud banging, in my experience, has never encouraged a non-tipper to tip, but has encouraged a tipper to stop tipping; just some food for thought.



The dealer is the only one who can run the game at the table. Please do your jobs as prescribed and you will be monetarily rewarded. When there is a problem, call for backup from a floorperson. Do not allow abuse at any time, but don't be overly sensitive, either. Know your house rules and follow them at all times. I know that I am happy to reward dealers who follow these simple procedures.



Now, if only you would push me a pot! Class dismissed.

As always, please send me your poker-related questions and comments to [email protected]. Also, for poker cruise information as well as info on the Nov. 12, 2005, World Poker Players Conference, go to www.cardplayercruises.com.