Dealing the Cards-Lesson 2

Now you have mastered shuffling the deck it is time to learn how to deal. Each player takes his turn at dealing and you do not usually pass the deal. When you are the dealer you pick up the cards that have been cut. Make sure to keep the bottom card from showing. This can be done by sliding them towards the edge of the table and sliding them into your hands. The cards need to stay on the table in sight of others at all times during the whole game. Tilt the deck of cards at a very slight angle towards your chest, away from the players. Deal the first card in this same manner to the person on your left and continue in order around the table.

Practice dealing so that you can make sure no one can see any card you are dealing, not even you. Keep your hands on the table at all times when holding the cards and dealing. Set the deck down far enough away from your cards so everyone can clearly see that your cards don't come into contact with the deck. Get your cards in order before picking the deck back up. Do not pick up any cards off the table until the dealing is done. Sometimes you will have the goofball in the crowd that tries to cut the cards funny or deal in a different manner. Don't do this or you will lose respect around the poker table. It is fun without being goofy. This does not happen at a poker game in our house and it is common courtesy to follow house rules. (House rules will be discussed later)

Words of Wisdom

Cards below the table level could cause a re-deal and irritation. They may accuse you of cheating so do not give them a reason to even insinuate this. Trust and honesty is respected and you are always welcomed to play in a friendly game of poker. Cheaters are not welcomed to our poker games as even though we are having fun we pride ourselves on our skill at playing the game.
In the cowboy days you were shot for cheating in a friendly game of cards. Today you are just kicked out of the game forever in our house. It also says something about your character as a person and is a reflection of who you are. Playing poker really is exciting and fun but it is also taken very seriously. To avoid any arguments it is best to follow these tips to dealing and shuffling. Eventually all these skills will come natural and you just automatically know how to do it.