Tipping in the Dark

[Arbitrage]

I've been playing alot more live poker in the past year and have noticed something strange; Players betting the river (usually HU) and then tipping the dealer before their opponent has acted.

The frst couple of times, I didn't think to much about it. But one night there was this old, habitual premature tipper. Everytime he bet the river, it was followed by tossing the dealer a toke. He finally stopped after he tossed the dealer an $8 tip and got check-raised by yours truelly. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Needless to say, there was no attempt to return the toke by the dealer.

Why do people do this? Is this common at other casinos? Is this move douchey or am I being a nit?

[The DaveR]

I do this sometimes. Sometimes you just know your hand is good. It's fun.

[Brokeski]

yeah sometimes ill say something like, if this next card is the _____ or, if this next card matches the first one, you're getting a tip. usualy i just tip regardless what he deals me but it tends to confuse people now and then.

[GTL]

i like to put on some techno music and get some glowsticks when i tip in the dark.

[redfisher]

I don't think it's douchey. If he's not all-in, it's that guys money and he can tip when, how, and how much he wants.

Players do this to announce they've won the hand. For whatever reason, some players will tell you to fold when they're holding the nuts. Others toss the toke in early just because they think they won and it's cool.

This isn't common, but it happens enough that I'm familiar with it.

[Gonso]

I was just fantasizing about when I've saved enough and can stop dealing weekends. I think I'm just going to get up in the middle of a hand and leave. Collect the pot, turn and burn the flop, say 'action on you, big guy' to no one in particular, and just leave.

Not with regular customers, you know, two drunks or a-holes or something.

Ok not really, but it would be kind of fun.

[Taso]

I don't understand why you'd show that you have that much confidence in your hand. The only reason I would do it is to make it seem like my hand was strong if I was bluffing. I guess? No, you know what, I'd never do it.

Do people tip on prop bets? Like if you pick a suit and it comes out, do players tip the dealer? I havn't seen this sort of beting going on in casinos, but I know it does.

[jdeane]

Gonso:

I apologize if you have discusses this before, but, where do you deal? From what I have read you are in the AC area.

If I am at your table, I will tip ya in the dark...

[Al_Capone_Junior]

Nothing wrong with the move. It's often done as a psychologicl ploy, as this guy was doing. It doesn't harm the integrity of the game. Be leary of interpreting the meaning as it varies by player.

The dealer did nothing wrong by keeping the tip. If this move really bothers you then nit is the proper term for you.

Al

[steamboatin]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't understand why you'd show that you have that much confidence in your hand. The only reason I would do it is to make it seem like my hand was strong if I was bluffing. I guess? No, you know what, I'd never do it.


[/ QUOTE ]

They do it because it is cool, not because it is smart or good poker. You need to remember that most live players really aren't interested in winning money. Some want to gamble, some want to be cool, some really like sucking out and busting a better hand.

Those players will tell you they are in it for the money but if you pay attention, you can figure out their true objective and that will help you learn to play against them.

If your primary goal is to look cool, tossing that tip in early is a inexpensive way to look really cool.