Post your experience of being a dealer

[zasterguava]

Just applied for a 6 month training course in table games at the Crown Casino, Melbourne. The training applies to all games but primarily dealing at poker tables.

Any folks out there who have experience as working as a dealer who can provide some advice, do's/dont's, experiences and such?

[Photoc]

My only advice to you, since you're in a different culture/market than me is this: Don't take negative things people say too seriously. Whether it be management, fellow employees, or players. Gambling can be a miserable world and you will see people at their best and worst on a daily basis.

[pfapfap]

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see people at their best and worst on a daily basis

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Maybe I'm still too new at this, but I've yet to see the former.

Keep your board clean. Be able to tell what the action is at a glance. This means bringing in mucked cards and dead money as soon as it happens. Don't take anything personally. Sit up straight and see a back specialist regularly. Learn people's names. Smile. Say thank you. Protect players. Don't be chatty during a hand. Keep the action going in lower limits, STFU in higher limits, learn to switch gears when appropriate. Remember that it's easy to count to five at a quick glance and sometimes addition/multiplication is faster.

[ExT]

Another bit of advice (which comes in time after your more confident and running your game is more natural): Run your game, control your table.

What that means is don't let the players walk over you. Sometimes they will question something, either politely or rudely, but always remember, it's YOUR table, you are in charge of your game. That doesn't mean run over the players or be a jerk, but don't let things get out of hand.

If someone is questioning something and you don't know the answer, call the floor and ask. Even if it's only something minor. Let the floor handle it. This not only will deflect the attention off of you, but it will also help you remember the situation and outcome for the future.

Examples of things you need to keep control of: Players folding out of turn, players showing others cards - though this is something that isn't THAT big of a deal, players holding up the game, foul or abusive language against you or other players (FLOOR!), players throwing in bets or calls that splash all over the table or into the pot, players talking about the cards they had during a live hand or talking ABOUT the hand while it's still live in such a way as it may influence action.

Also, there will be players that will try to help out a bit if they think you are confused or unsure...accept the help [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] Always strive to do better though.

Anticipate the action: Plan ahead a bit while action is going on (making change, bringing in bets a little bit closer to yourself so you aren't reaching so much). This will cut down a little bit of time between betting rounds and allow you to ultimatly get out more hands per down.


Don't worry about being 'super fast'...that can and will lead to mistakes. Just go as fast as you are comfortable without flipping cards, making mistakes, etc....speed will come in time.

And last but DEFINATLY not least: RACK MANAGEMENT. Keep your rack neat and in order and you shouldn't ever have to face the terrible phrase : "you know your rack is/was $__ amount short/over, here sign this..."

[zasterguava]

Thanks guys. Being a poker dealer seems like a nerve racking responsibility. I will be randomly assigned to learn any of the table games so Im kinda hoping it will be Roulette, BJ or something as they seem easier.

[zasterguava]

Note: Im a youngish looking 18 year old with a British accent. Will this be a problem do you think?

[stickdude]

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Note: Im a youngish looking 18 year old with a British accent. Will this be a problem do you think?

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So that's not a picture of you in your avatar then??

[pfapfap]

Roulette's insane. You'd be best for blackjack, probably.

[zasterguava]

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Note: Im a youngish looking 18 year old with a British accent. Will this be a problem do you think?

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So that's not a picture of you in your avatar then??

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Lol. No its Murray Bookchin.

In all seriousness though; I think being young in a position where people are going to try to undermine you and get on your case may be a problem.

[zasterguava]

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Roulette's insane. You'd be best for blackjack, probably.

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Yeah, I guess the maths can get in the way there -especially with all the different bets going on.