Requirements of a Professional Dealer
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 up the board when the winner is found, pushing the pot to the player with the best hand, splitting pots correctly when necessary, and so forth. Remember to read all tabled hands, it is your job to find the winner even if the player does not see it.
2. Mechanical Skills. Technique! The ability to shuffle and deal without exposing cards, handle chips, and the like. The shuffle procedure is shuffle-box-shuffle-shuffle, and remember to always clear your hands.
3. Knowledge of the Games. Knowing and understanding the rules of each game, how the game is dealt, and the house policies and procedures and executing.
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.
5. Positive Attitude. A manner of conveying professionalism that makes the experience of playing poker enjoyable and rewarding. Smile, be courteous but keep your personal lives to yourselves and do not ever discuss the hand in progress in any capacity other than announcing players, bets and etc.
6. Professional Demeanor. Proper posture and attitude communicate professionalism as does courtesy and kindness.
7. Ability to deal with Customers. Besides attitude and personality, this includes diplomacy, etiquette, and knowing when to call for the Supervisor.
8. Appearance. One’s dress, grooming, and personal hygiene are essential to a professional demeanor.
9. Reliability. The ability to do your job properly and to be available and prepared when needed. When a supervisor asks you to do something, you do it, even if you don’t understand the reasoning behind the request. We as supervisors strive to maintain a fair working environment for all staff and we expect compliance on every level.
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. Remain focused on the game your dealing, do not watch T.V. or socialize with other employees, don’t watch the race, just keep your focus on your table and you will drastically minimize mistakes.