Poker Questions

I often get e-mail with informational requests or poker questions that are probably of interest to many readers. In this column, I have picked some of the most frequently asked questions from my e-mail collection.



What is the proper amount to tip in a tournament?

There is no easy answer to this question, because the answer depends on many factors, such as the amount of the buy-in, the size of the prize pool, how long the tournament lasts, how well the tournament staff did, how you were treated, and whether you are a recreational or a professional tournament player. The first two factors are related. The amount of the buy-in affects the size of the prize pool, and they both affect what percentage is appropriate for a tip.



For example, in an event that has a $1 million or more prize pool, 3 percent would be a nice tip, but if the prize pool was only $1,000, that same percentage would not yield much for the dealers. If pressed for a specific answer, I would recommend the chart in the next column as a tipping guideline.



I certainly acknowledge that tipping is an individual decision, and you have the right to do whatever feels correct to you.



Also, remember that these numbers are only suggested ranges, and within each range, there are many factors that dictate whether you should lean toward the high end or the low end of the range. A tournament that lasts several days requires many more dealer downs than one that lasts only a few hours, so a bigger tip would be warranted if you wanted to ensure a good payday for the dealers. Also, not only are the dealers included in the breakdown of the tips, but other tournament staff shares are, as well. Oftentimes that includes the cashiers, the brushes, board personnel, and perhaps the directors. Whether or not you enjoyed your poker experience and how well you were treated should probably be considerations when you decide to go with the high range or the low range of the tipping scale. If the tournament was well-run and you liked the tournament staff and the dealers, perhaps you can go with the top end of the suggested range, especially if you are a recreational player who doesn't enter lots of tournaments.



Why are there so few low-limit tournaments around today?

Many years ago, most cardrooms spread tournaments with buy-ins of $22, $33, $44, and $55. They kept $2, $3, $4, and $5, respectively, as the entry fee. Today, few cardrooms are willing to offer a tournament with such a small entry fee, because poker has become so popular that they don't need these "loss-leader" events to get players in the door. Cardrooms have plenty of overhead and, unfortunately for those who enjoy the cheap buy-in tournaments, they can make so much more by spreading live games, which are full most of the time and generate good income. It really is too bad, since these low-limit tournaments are great learning venues. However, one has to be aware that a cardroom just cannot spread these small buy-in events anymore, as the high costs of labor, cocktails, and other overhead just won't allow it.



How do I know if it is time for me to move up in limits?

Some players are happy to stay at the low limits, while others want to move up quickly and play higher and higher. I have always taken the conservative approach and been content to play in the lower- and middle-limit games. I would encourage others to make sure that they are consistently beating the limit they are presently playing for at least a year before they consider moving up. Of course, there are some "naturals" who learn at a very quick rate of speed, and if you are one of them, you will be able to move up much more rapidly than the average player. I recommend that you take occasional shots at bigger limits when you have the confidence and the bankroll to do so.



I have known many players who believe that they have to play in the biggest game that their bankrolls can afford.



These risk-takers thrive on the excitement and are not afraid of going broke, but I personally would not consider putting my entire bankroll at stake to play higher.



Reminder: The 2005 World Poker Players Conference has been scheduled for Nov. 12 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. If you are reading this column, this conference is for you! I can promise you that you will experience an incredible day of poker education, and if you really pay attention, you definitely should be able to increase your hourly win rate at the poker table.



Class dismissed!

As always, please write to me with your poker-related column ideas and questions. Please go to http://www.cardplayercruises.com/ for information about poker cruises and other special poker events.