What Makes A Exceptional Casino Dealer?

So, you sit down at a table game, and you get an immediate vibe of the table. Just look at the people there - are they happy? Is it a table you'd be better off not sitting at?
How much of the ambiance of the table is attributed to the dealer(s)? While some people are happy or miserable no matter what the circumstances, the abilities of the dealer can sway that vibe to a positive.
So, what characteristics make an exceptional dealer - for both the players and the casino?  After asking many table game friends and scouring the internet, I have come up with the following positive attributes that make a superb dealer:

Knowledge of the Rules - Dealers must know the game's rules as if it were second nature. If the dealer doesn't know the rules it can ruin the integrity of the game. Nothing is more annoying than a pause for getting a pit boss's say on basic misses by the dealer.

Being Consistent - a dealers style is something players get used to. Once the player gets used to that style, you can't change it up on them.

Communication Skills (Probably the Most Important) - Regardless of skill level or the seriousness of the players, the dealer maintain a high activity level at your table and engage all of the players. In many ways, a casino dealer is like an entertainer, (not including the "dealertainers" since in some jurisdictions like Las Vegas - that's a different blog post). However we have all experienced the non-entertaining dealer who really hates his job, or is tired, or has a personally that would make watching paint dry an exciting event. Casino-goers are there to have a good time and their enjoyment depends, in large part, on your personality and the way you interact with players at your table. With the odds always in the house's favor, it's the casino dealer's responsibility to ensure that the gambler -- win or lose -- has a great time. When a player comes to the table the dealer should really do all they can to welcome them. They should learn the players name, ask them where they're from and have a conversation with them if that's what the player is looking for. You'd be surprised how often a casino patron goes into a casino and looks for a certain dealer. A dealer can create loyalty. It makes it a win-win for everyone.

Professionalism - A dealer's appearance is important. Other things a great dealer will not do is never point at a player – they should always use an open hand – and they should never stare at the player, as a common courtesy.

The Ability to Keep the Game Moving - It's crucial for everyone that a dealer keeps the game controlled, moving the game along with no unnecessary stoppages in play. At the same time, you don't want to rush yourself or rush the players. Some dealers are so fast, that I often wonder if casinos have the "special" dealer to send in when a table is hot. The faster the dealer, the faster the table advantage. (Which is why I never play at a table alone - time can be an asset for the player!). A superb dealer finds the right balance.

Mechanical Skills - such as:

1. Shuffle the cards tight and smooth without raising the cards too high giving astute player an unfair advantage. (Good for the Casino)
2. Dealing the cards as an art form, with their own kind of body language and personality added. It's what makes each dealer unique and can make for a fun play. (Good for everyone)
3. Handling payouts - The dealer is responsible for knowing who won the pot and/or how much the winner should be paid and \hey need to know how to award the winner and when it's necessary to split a pot. Cashing someone out or cashing someone into the game also needs to be done in a timely fashion. (Good for Everyone) 
4. Physical Endurance including strong hand-and-eye coordination, as well as the ability to stand for long periods. In addition, a strong dealer must endure working conditions that may require exposure to smoke and loud noises. (Good for the Dealer!)

Mental Skills - such as:

1. Restraint - Sometimes the player doesn't always act appropriately and for the sake of the other players and the casino itself, the dealer needs to know how to handle that kind of player almost like a referee. They are there to facilitate the game, but they don't want to be part of the action.  
2. Conflict-Resolution Skills - Casino dealers often must resolve conflicts with patrons who are displeased with the outcome of a play or simply distressed because they're losing money. In either case, you may be the first person to encounter the customer's wrath. You must have sharp customer service and conflict-resolution skills, especially when gamblers become boisterous and argumentative. The ability to defuse potential rage is one of the most important qualifications you will need, because it enables you to explain the game so that customers trust that you're making accurate calls. In addition, your conflict-resolution skills are useful in calming an irate gambler who is doubly frustrated over losing money in a relatively short period of time
3. Analytical Thinking Skills - Analytical thinking enables you to accurately calculate winning or losing hands in a matter of seconds. Casino table games are fast-paced, and the speed and accuracy with which you determine who wins and who loses affects the confidence that players have in you and the game that you're dealing.

Finally, great dealers must know when it's appropriate to help a player and they need to call a good game. The general rule is to help when help is needed, but don't disrupt the flow of the game while reading the action at the table and announcing it clearly to everyone that's playing. This is especially important in baccarat. In poker, you need to announce the amount someone is betting or raising and you need to do it without much hesitation. The people playing don't always keep their full attention on what's going on at the table so this is a good way to keep them informed.

I hope this was helpful.

That's all for now. Tomorrow is Foxwoods Friday!

Binbin