The Professional Poker Dealer's Handbook

• #39 in Best Poker Books

9 Reviews

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I'm not a professional poker dealer, but I read this book because I wanted to learn to deal correctly. Although I don't question the veracity of this book's content, the delivery was a big letdown. For example, the book's authors attempt to teach you how to pitch cards correctly without any illustrations or photos! This is pretty much impossible. You just can't learn how to shuffle, hold the deck, and deal without pictures.

However, I can't find any other poker dealer handbook out there so I think this one's the best. If they were to release an updated edition of this book, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

I got a job as a poker dealer and had have a few errors that weren't quite covered in my "introduction course" by my employers, plus I wanted to be as professional as I could so I decided to buy this book.

The overall structure of the book is somewhat confusing since you can find repeated lines all over the book, and several subjects are covered in several chapters so you can't really know all you need to of, say, blind structure, until you've read most of the book. This however is not that bad since you are most likely to read the whole thing in a couple of sittings. I actually read it in 2 days during breaks right at work.

The obvious lack of illustrations is also a bit of a problem but the explanations are clear enough.

There are some problems that you will find frequently during your job that the book leaves to the floorperson's decition and gives no information as to what their call might be, it would've been nice to know some options on those subjects.

In spite of these issues, the book is excellent at procedures and gives you the tools to be a true professional, my performance has improved a great deal and the players really appreciate a professional dealer.

Overall the book is great, I have it as a reference and when problems arise that need understanding by the players we can actually take the book and show the proper procedures.

I have been in poker for 25 plus years working in Vegas, Mississippi and Calif. Opening a number of poker rooms as Poker room Mgr. I'm now a Poker Supervisor at Barona Casino in San Diego area. I've taught at dealers schools and now teaching poker dealing to a number of new folks just wanting to get into the businness. This is the best book I've ever seen or used to teach every aspect of poker dealing. I can not begin to tell you how much I use your book and refer to it. I give each and every new student a copy of your book. Thank You for making this book available to us.

Thanks Again
Bob Corona

I'm a student right now in poker school and this is the book we are using for class.

It covers everything from the proper mechanics of "pitching" (dealing cards the proper way), flops, sidepots and controlling the table.

I've read the book multiple times. I highly recommend this to prospective poker dealers and even long time dealers that have developed some bad habits in their game.

Have you always dreamed of being a Poker Dealer?
If you read and study this book, it is only months away for you. My husband was told to buy this book by our Casino Poker Supervisors. He was told to read it three times and then study and practice what is in this book. He has been playing poker most of his life but this book helped him turn his hobby into his job. He worked only 4 days as a Poker Dealer and now he is a Poker Supervisor and Dealer. This book helped him learn the skills to fulfill his dreams and it can do the same for you.
Become a Poker Dealer with this book by reading and practicing what the author Dan Paymar give you. His tools really work. Good Luck.

I thought that this book was good for somone who really wants to understand the importance of the dealer in a gambling situation. This understanding is crucial for someone who really wants to succeed as a professional dealer. It is true that with matters of technique it is incredibly difficult to explain without the aid of pictures (or, ideally, someone standing over your shoulder), but if you have a little guidance, this book is a helpful companion. Perhaps the author should start a web-site companion to the book (just a suggestion).

The title of my review is a quote from the book, which I gave to my son as a gift for his 21st birthday. He's very happy with it and has already read most of it. The quote is one he took from the book which really spoke to him...practice doesn't make perfect...it makes permanent. Essentially, practicing the WRONG thing won't make you perfect, but it will make a permanent behavior. Since my son's goal is to be a professional dealer, this was a perfect match for him!

This item was in amazing condition and shipped extremely quick. I can't ask or anything better. Wish every order was like this. Thank you!

Was a good look into the profession of poker dealing. Had a little boring info but if you're interested in poker I guess that would make it interesting information for you.