Learn Texas Holdem

Tipping In No Limit Hold'em Games

Tipping in no-limit hold'em games can be tricky, especially if you don't know what you're doing. Here are some common tipping situations to consider.

You Just Got Your Chips

When you receive your chips, don't forget to tip the person who brought them over to you. It's a nice gesture, and it's good form. This casino or poker room employee may not be dealing out cards at a table, but this person is still working to make your poker playing experience more enjoyable.

You Just Won a Decent Sized Pot

If you have just won a solid-sized pot, tip the dealer $1. Don't go too crazy and toss a quarter of your winnings over to the dealer. A simple $1 gesture of appreciation will suffice.

You Just Won a Huge Pot

When you win an audaciously large pot of chips, you might be tempted to share the love with the dealer. I mean, you have to chips to spare so why not? Well, over time this practice of tossing hefty tips to the dealer after you won a huge pot is going to end up putting quite a dent in your bankroll. Remember that the house is still making rake on every pot. Showing the dealer that you appreciate your cards is one thing. Cutting into your earnings by over-tipping is something completely different. Avoid throwing too many tips around after you win massive pots. A $2 tip on a huge pot is perfectly acceptable.

You Just Won With Trash Cards

Let's say you've just won a small pot with very marginal cards. It's good karma to throw a tip towards the dealer. The dealer may not have helped you win anything, but just to be safe, show the dealer your appreciation anyway. Toss a $1 chip over to the dealer after you've won a pot with trash cards. Don't be afraid to be appreciative when you steal pots.

You Just Got Your Drinks

Your drinks may not cost you anything, but they're not free either. You need to keep your cocktail server happy. If you don't tip at least a dollar a drink, you're not going to see your server for a while. Be generous and polite. Don't try to flag down the server as if she's a German Shepard. Don't tap the girl's shoulder either. Just wait until she's close by, make eye contact and kindly ask for a drink. Be patient when waiting for your beverages and say thank you after your drinks have arrived.

Tip the floorman after he's found you a seat. If you've had a nice time at a particular table, and the dealer is getting up to leave, feel free to tip again. Don't feel obligated to share your tipping dollars with people who don't give good service. At the same time, you should realize that it's customary and polite to leave proper tips in specific situations.

• Date posted Apr 26, 2008
• Post comment

Author

Clark Jensen

The world of poker