Tricks Of A Professional Poker Dealer
Most professional poker dealers at a casino are on the level. There is really nothing to gain by cheating unless they are in collusion with another player at the table. If they are cheating and get caught, there can be serious consequences. Furthermore, casino shuffling and dealing techniques are standardized in such a way as to inhibit cheating.
If a dishonest professional poker dealer finds his way into your home game on the other hand, all bets are off. It is very possible that this dealer has tricks that will send just the right cards to himself or to a confederate. Here are the poker dealer tricks to watch out for so that you don't become a victim.
Double Dealing/Second Dealing
In this trick, the dealer deals the second card rather than the top card to each player. The idea here is that the dealer has manipulated the deck so a key card, like an ace, is on top. He deals seconds until the deal arrives at his confederate, at which time the top card is dealt to the player the dealer wants to have it. The method used is either strike second, where the top card is subtly pushed to the side while the next card is dealt out, or pushoff second, where the top and second card are pulled forward, the second card is released, and the top card is pushed back.
Bottom Dealing
Bottom dealing is the same idea, except the dealer deals a card from the bottom of the deck at the appropriate time. Presumably, he has seen this card or manipulated the deck so that the card is desirable. This only requires one move, on the confederate's turn, rather than a move on every card as in second dealing.
Notes on Dealing Tricks
Both of these methods tend to require a mechanic's grip. This is a way of holding the deck with the index finger across the front. This keeps the deck immobile and makes manipulation easier. Look for this as a sign that someone may be cheating.
If you suspect a dealer is cheating in a game you are in, the best thing to do may be to pick up your chips and leave, perhaps encouraging any friends in the game to do so as well. Remember that the dealer has a confederate, so if you accuse him of cheating, he may have at least one defender and they may even try to turn it around and lay the accusation on you. Unless you have a vested interest in protecting this particular game, you should usually just move on and never come back.
- Date posted May 13, 2008
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Clark Jensen
The world of poker
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