Finding a dedicated dealer (3 Viewers)

[CraigT78]

So my crew has decided it's time to find a dedicated dealer for my monthly cash game. I'm curious to hear thoughts from folks who already have one in their games, and how you handle all of the things that come with that.

Where to find?
Expectations for game duties?
Flat Rate payment for an 8ish hour game?
Minimum tips?
Rake for the dealer?

Anything else?

 

[CraigT78]

@Hornet @Rhodeman77 @Moxie Mike @Windwalker @Josh Kifer

 

[Josh Kifer]

So my crew has decided it's time to find a dedicated dealer for my monthly cash game. I'm curious to hear thoughts from folks who already have one in their games, and how you handle all of the things that come with that.

Where to find?
Expectations for game duties?
Flat Rate payment for an 8ish hour game?
Minimum tips?
Rake for the dealer?

Anything else?

Who the fuck are you and what did you do with @MatB

 

[CraigT78]

Who the fuck are you and what did you do with @MatB

He short stacking against @Goldfish

 

[moose]

I found one of the players wives to deal for tips. It helped that she was a stay at home mom so it got her out of the house and some side money. Also she didn't take shit from her kids and so she didn't take shit from us. Worked great until she moved away.

 

[TheBigTater]

Have you not taught Ashlyn how to deal yet?

 

[Chawks45]

So my crew has decided it's time to find a dedicated dealer for my monthly cash game. I'm curious to hear thoughts from folks who already have one in their games, and how you handle all of the things that come with that.

Where to find?

I have a rotating group of six dealers, either still dealing or are former poker room dealers from our local casinos. The group includes three dual-rate dealers, so there's never a problem with rule interpretations and floor-like decisions. I play a lot at Harrah's and Hollywood, so got to know so many dealers over the years and just quietly asked off to the side if they would deal a home game.

I'm positive a lot of the local KC PCFers -- @Grandmasturkey, @Chester Copperpot, @tdccarpenter, @Pawn38, @postmanpete, @sugarcane and @chipinla -- who have been through my game will say it's a great experience to have not just a dedicated dealer, but an experienced one.

Expectations for game duties?

My dealers are not an active participant in the game. Their duty is to pitch cards and run the game like at a casino. There's never an issue and the game runs smoothly. I've over-ruled a dealer decision just once.

Other items:

- My dealer handles all change requirements from the pot, just like at a casino. Players know not to reach in pots to make change.
- My dealer shuffles the alternating deck, so players don't touch the decks. I used to have players help out with the shuffling, but that quickly went away because my dealers prefer to shuffle the deck themselves.

Flat Rate payment for an 8ish hour game?

Definitely something to negotiate with the dealer, provided you find one.

Minimum tips?

I tell everyone at my game that tipping isn't required, but they are more than welcome to tip the dealer at the end of the night. The minimum/maximum is up to the players if they want to tip.

Rake for the dealer?

My game is 100% unraked.

Anything else?

- Make sure the dealer has the most comfortable chair at the table. I got input from my primary dealer on what he wanted, and took care of it.
- Bathroom breaks: Have a backup plan in place just in case the dealer has to hit the bathroom. In that instance, I take over as the dealer for a hand or two and don't participate as a player.
- Dealers love plastic bridge-size cards because that's what they work with at a casino. Not a problem with PCF since the overwhelming amount of us go that route.
- If your table doesn't have a dealer cutout, get one of those plastic chip trays for them.
- Lastly, definitely welcome input from the dealer on what works/doesn't work.

Hope this helps!

 

[Moxie Mike]

Where to find?
Expectations for game duties?
Flat Rate payment for an 8ish hour game?
Minimum tips?
Rake for the dealer?

1) We have charity poker in Michigan, so there are a lot of dealers around here who moonlight in private games. One of the guys who plays in my poker league runs one of the local charity rooms, so anytime I need a dealer I just call him and get referrals. There's also FB groups and a 2+2 forum dedicated to the West Michigan poker scene, so there are other resources to do some networking.

I'm sure in Dallas you have similar resources.

I've also trained people to deal for us. At first I just have them pitch the cards and follow the action - the game is full of experienced players who can pretty much run the game. And as they get more comfortable, they become more of a game-runner in terms of making sure blinds are out, people act in turn, etc.

I also have a buddy who plays and deals the game at the same time. When he's available he's my #1 option. He knows all the circus games and is an absolute wizard. He's not all that well off, so there are times where he might deal for a few hours until there's an open seat, then he'll jump into the game with his tip money.

2) Ideally the dealer would run the game the same way a dealer would in a casino setting - i.e. they're completely in charge, know all the rules, understand the mechanics of the game, etc. So the more autonomy/authority they have, the better. But for those who are less competent but can still pitch cards, etc... I just make sure the players in the game know the dealer is a little green and he/she may need a little help/guidance.

3,4,5) For tournaments, $5 from every entry and rebuy is for the dealers. I let them split it among themselves however they see fit (there's usually 2). They also get tipped by players who cash. It's worth pointing out that they're usually playing too... so the tip money is sort of like compensation for the disadvantage of playing and dealing simultaneously.

For cash games, I have the dealer rake $1 out of every hand that goes to a flop/goes past 3rd street/first draw. Players also tip them too although that's optional. So they usually clear $2-300 by the end of the night.

Anything else?

I run my games out of my corporate office, so I am VERY selective on who I recruit in terms of players and dealers. I also inform the dealers of the demographic so they know what to expect. In my game, most of the players are professional types, 40+ y.o., etc.... attorneys, physicians, business owners, you name it. So recruiting dealers whose demeanor jives with a more mature crowd is also something to consider.

Anything else part 2?

Avoid dealers and hosts who call 'clock' on you all the time - it's super douchey

 

[bergs]

My game back East had a dealer when he was available and didn’t want to play. $1 out of every pot (all for him, nothing for house) plus tips and he was pretty happy. We tipped well, I think he cleared around $35/hour. It was a .25/.50 game that played deep and average stacks at night end were probably $400-800.

 

[moechar]

Dang, wish I lived in Dallas, would gladly do this at your place every weekend hahaha

 

[Machine]

I've taught my son how to deal, he deals my monthly game.

If you are teaching someone how to deal, you first need to work on pitch, proper shuffling, ssbs, then functional aspects of the specific game, then common errors and rulings, then how to calculate the pot, then when to calculate the pot. If you're in the game you can give the play by play for in the moment issues.

I would highly suggest not using a round table, and picking up a shuffler, they are not hard to install. (you'll want to use poker size cards as the shuffle master boxes cards from time to time)

Tips, I think if your players are tipping chips its a grey area, but a dollar a hand for plo or nlh is decent, if you're playing mixed games an hourly rate would likely be more appealing.

I've met some of your locals and I have to say, whoever you find will need to be able to be aggressive when the guys are all talking over each other and laughing. (Inferring they are average lively bunch when it gets going )

It shouldn't be hard in Texas to find a dealer, I'm sure there are people who have worked at some of the semi-local card rooms. Find an underground game and start networking there, it won't take long.

 

[bergs]

Good points Deus - our dealer was mechanically great, split pots perfectly, and had a great personality that fit in with us — the one thing I’ve had to ask him to do periodically is the run the game on occasion.

Our game was a lot like yours is Craig in that everyone knows each other and it’s a party. A lot of drinking, ball busting, and story telling (yelling?) - sometimes the dealer needs to be the guy that brings people back to paying attention on the game. He was good at that but given he was a friend with everyone he was sometimes involved in the convos as well.

 

[doublebooyah85]

Our dealer makes a killing. Takes home $400-$600 a night but has to deal non stop for 5-8 hours. ($1-$2 no limit $500 buy ins).

Don’t restrict his tips. It’s a lot of work and makes the game so much better.

He should remember to keep people focused but also understand sometimes to let people enjoy themselves.

Great feedback so far.

 

[doublebooyah85]

I found one of the players wives to deal for tips. It helped that she was a stay at home mom so it got her out of the house and some side money. Also she didn't take shit from her kids and so she didn't take shit from us. Worked great until she moved away.

Around 10pm my wife makes espresso for everyone and the guys tip her $10 for each one lol

 

[doublebooyah85]

Shuffle tech + a dealer = amazing and experience

 

[doublebooyah85]

And we rake for splash pots. Every hour we dump $50-$75 into a bomb splash pot.

 

[CraigT78]

I've taught my son how to deal, he deals my monthly game.

If you are teaching someone how to deal, you first need to work on pitch, proper shuffling, ssbs, then functional aspects of the specific game, then common errors and rulings, then how to calculate the pot, then when to calculate the pot. If you're in the game you can give the play by play for in the moment issues.

I would highly suggest not using a round table, and picking up a shuffler, they are not hard to install. (you'll want to use poker size cards as the shuffle master boxes cards from time to time)

Tips, I think if your players are tipping chips its a grey area, but a dollar a hand for plo or nlh is decent, if you're playing mixed games an hourly rate would likely be more appealing.

I've met some of your locals and I have to say, whoever you find will need to be able to be aggressive when the guys are all talking over each other and laughing. (Inferring they are average lively bunch when it gets going )

It shouldn't be hard in Texas to find a dealer, I'm sure there are people who have worked at some of the semi-local card rooms. Find an underground game and start networking there, it won't take long.

Thanks for the advice. Definitely wouldn't use the round tables, I'd swap out one for the oval and have the dealer use a rack or non cut in tray to use for tips.

I'd consider a kid, but mine are not reliable enough to be free a set Saturday each month. Ashlyn would love to do it, but I don't want to encourage any further degeneracy with her

I'll have to see if any of my locals who frequent the local card houses can start dropping some subtle inquiries.

I'd keep the bank, but would love a dealer to help keep the game moving, and handle the pot so @Grant can enjoy not doing it, and keep @Whiskey Sam in check when he argues until he's blue in the face when he's wrong.

Thanks for all the input both here and in PMs.

 

[CraigT78]

Dang, wish I lived in Dallas, would gladly do this at your place every weekend hahaha

Dallas is cheaper than NYC.......

 

[CraigT78]

also have a buddy who plays and deals the game at the same time

Does this ever become an issue? I'm not sure I'd been keen on this.

 

[moechar]

Dallas is cheaper than NYC.......

I still gotta find a day job out there mang haha

 

[CraigT78]

I still gotta find a day job out there mang haha

Whatcha do? I know peoples.

 

[moechar]

Whatcha do? I know peoples.

I'll PM ya!

 

[Machine]

Thanks for the advice. Definitely wouldn't use the round tables, I'd swap out one for the oval and have the dealer use a rack or non cut in tray to use for tips.

I'd consider a kid, but mine are not reliable enough to be free a set Saturday each month. Ashlyn would love to do it, but I don't want to encourage any further degeneracy with her

I'll have to see if any of my locals who frequent the local card houses can start dropping some subtle inquiries.

I'd keep the bank, but would love a dealer to help keep the game moving, and handle the pot so @Grant can enjoy not doing it, and keep @Whiskey Sam in check when he argues until he's blue in the face when he's wrong.

Thanks for all the input both here and in PMs.

I understand!

I've never seen a dealer bank, cabinet shuffler would work and make it faster

 

[CraigT78]

I understand!

I've never seen a dealer bank, cabinet shuffler would work and make it faster

I am violently against using poker sized cards.

 

[Machine]

I am violently against using poker sized cards.

for posterity, is it budget or the 7 millimeter difference?

 

[CraigT78]

for posterity, is it budget or the 7 millimeter difference?

Try playing double board six card PLO with an implosion with poker sized cards and get back to me.

 

[Moxie Mike]

Does this ever become an issue? I'm not sure I'd been keen on this.

Nope. We do it all the time in the tournaments I run. It's never an issue. In the tournaments, the second deck is shuffled by a player and cut by the dealer. When Ben (my buddy) deals, he shuffles the second deck himself.

 

[bergs]

I am violently against using poker sized cards.

(Stands behind Craig and nods emphatically, looking around for someone to challenge)

 

[bergs]

Try playing double board six card PLO with an implosion with poker sized cards and get back to me.

Or, just try playing double board six card PLO with an implosion.

 

[bergs]

I am violently against using poker sized cards.

P1: “hey let’s play derailment”
P2: “ok meet me in the driveway so we have room to spread it”