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Characteristics of a Professional Dealer

Let's look more closely at the attributes that go together to make a true "professional" dealer:

Characteristic No 1: Accuracy. Getting the right cards to the right players at the right time smoothly and without exposing cards, turning board cards at the right time, keeping the bets and side pots straight, making change correctly, getting the correct rake unobtrusively, reading hands correctly, pushing the pot to the player with the best hand, splitting pots correctly when necessary, and so forth.

Characteristic No. 2: Mechanical skills. Technique! The ability to shuffle and deal without exposing cards, handle chips, and the like.

Characteristic No. 3: Knowledge of the games. Knowing and understanding the rules of each game, how the game is dealt, and the house policies and procedures.

Characteristic No. 4: Ability to control the game. Being able to maintain the game pace. That is, the ability to keep the game moving, prevent out-of-turn actions, avoid unnecessary delays, without rushing either yourself or the players. Remember, always use an open hand - never point - at a player when it is their turn to act. (You may point with your eyes, but never stare at a player who may be taking a little extra time.)

Characteristic No. 5: Positive attitude. A manner of conveying professionalism that makes the experience of playing poker enjoyable and rewarding.

Characteristic No. 6: Professional demeanor. Proper posture and attitude communicate professionalism as does courtesy and kindness.

Characteristic No. 7: Ability to deal with customers. Besides attitude and personality, this includes diplomacy, etiquette, and knowing when to call for the floorperson.

Characteristic No. 8: Appearance. One's dress, grooming, and personal hygiene are essential to a professional demeanor.

Characteristic No. 9: Reliability. The ability to do your job properly and to be available and prepared when needed.

Characteristic No. 10: Restraint. The ability to be quiet, keep your full attention focused on the game, and to decline to partake in any extraneous conversations not directly related to the hand in progress. These attributes of a professional dealer are distinctly different, yet they overlap and complement each other. The thrust of the material contained herein is directed toward those attributes that an instructor can develop and enhance - primarily knowledge of the games, mechanical skills, accuracy, and restraint.