Quote:
Originally Posted by checkraisdraw
haha I may be weird but I always found it amusing when people tipped 50 cents. Especially the 1/2 stud high-low players.
On this we agree.
As for tipping $.50 per hand I think dealers will think it is strange but most would not complain.
In my humble opinion there are a few factors that come into play concerning tipping.
1. Amount. Obviously more is preferred by the dealer, but consistency can matter as well. A player who consistently tips may tip slightly less overall than someone who tips large but erratically, but there is something to be said for knowing what the minimum floor of a down is. Most dealers are ok with making a certain minimum per down. Obviously making more is better, but knowing the minimum is there is comforting.
2. Speed of play. Obviously players who play faster are preferred because the dealer can get more hands in per down and make more money. This doesn't require a player to play lightning fast and never tank. It just means never slowing the game down by being easily distracted, and only tank when it is truly a tankworthy decision. Most dealers play poker so they know there were be occasional hands that require deep thought. However if it is post flop and you hit top pair with a crappy kicker on a rainbow, no straight, flop and the 2nd tightest player bets and the 1st tightest player raises and action gets to you, do not Hollywood. You know you are folding. Don't pretend it is a thinking spot. Fold the obvious and move on.
3. Being a positive, helpful person. How do you interact with other players? Are you helpful and welcoming? Do you help keep the game moving by letting your neighbor know it is his turn? Are you understanding that new players will often make crazy mistakes that can be tough to officiate? Making dealers jobs easier goes a long way.
4. Understand that dealers are human and will occasionally make mistakes. Even terrible game affecting mistakes. Even the best in the world. It happens. I am not saying you should be happy about it, expect better, (and even say so) but also understand it happens. Dealers are not doing this on purpose and not castrating a dealer over a mistake goes a long way.
Play reasonably fast. Be nice and friendly, be understanding. Do all of those and dealers will be fine with you at the table even if you are not a big tipper.