This course covers card dealing fundamentals, such as check handling, dealing techniques, game protection and hand reading. Students learn the physical skills needed to be a poker dealer, such as. Poker can vary in regards to the dealing order, the betting system, the stakes of play, whether you’re playing in a cash game or tournament format, and the wagering rounds between the dealing procedures. To master the game of poker and the poker rankings, follow the.

• General principles
  • Betting limits
• Principal forms
  • Stud poker
  • Community-card poker
  • House-banked games

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Poker, card game, played in various forms throughout the world, in which a player must call (i.e., match) the bet, raise (i.e., increase) the bet, or concede (i.e., fold). Its popularity is greatest in North America, where it originated. It is played in private homes, in poker clubs, in casinos, and over the Internet. Poker has been called the national card game of the United States, and its play and jargon permeate American culture.

Although countless variants of poker are described in the literature of the game, they all share certain essential features. A poker hand comprises five cards. The value of the hand is in inverse proportion to its mathematical frequency; that is, the more unusual the combination of cards, the higher the hand ranks. Players may bet that they have the best hand, and other players must either call (i.e., match) the bet or concede. Players may bluff by betting that they have the best hand when in fact they do not, and they may win by bluffing if players holding superior hands do not call the bet.

General principles

There are forms of poker suitable to any number of players from 2 to 14, but in most forms the ideal number is 6, 7, or 8 players. The object is to win the “pot,” which is the aggregate of all bets made by all players in any one deal. The pot may be won either by having the highest-ranking poker hand or by making a bet that no other player calls. The following principles apply to nearly all forms of poker.

Cards

Poker is almost always played with the standard 52-card deck, the playing cards in each of the four suits (spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs) ranking A (high), K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, A (low only in the straight [a series of five cards numbered consecutively] or straight flush [a series of five cards numbered consecutively within the same suit] 5-4-3-2-A and in certain variants described below).

In social play, especially in “dealer’s choice” (i.e., a card-playing session in which each player takes a turn at dealing the cards and selecting the game), certain cards may be designated wild cards. A wild card stands for any other card its holder wishes to name. There are many methods of introducing wild cards into the game. The most popular are:

1. Joker. A 53-card pack is used, including the joker as a wild card.
2. Bug. The same 53-card pack including the joker is used, but the joker—here called the bug—counts only as a fifth ace or to fill a flush [a series of five cards of the same suit], a straight, or certain special hands.
3. Deuces wild. All four deuces (2s) are wild cards.
4. One-eyes. In the standard pack the king of diamonds, jack of spades, and jack of hearts are the only cards shown in profile. They are often designated as wild cards.

Rank of poker hands

The rank of standard poker hands is determined by their odds (probability). Two or more identical hands tie and divide any winning equally. The suits have no relative rank in poker. When there is any wild card in the game, the highest possible hand is five of a kind, which beats any straight flush. When there are several wild cards, there may be identical fours of a kind or threes of a kind, in which case ties are broken by the highest unmatched cards or secondary pairs (in a full house [a five-card hand made up of three of a kind and a pair]).

Deal

At the start of the game, any player takes a pack of cards and deals them in rotation to the left, one at a time faceup, until a jack appears. The player receiving that card becomes the first dealer. The turn to deal and the turn to bet always pass to the left from player to player. For each deal, any player may shuffle the cards, the dealer having the last right to shuffle. The dealer must offer the shuffled pack to the opponent to the right for a cut. If that player declines to cut, any other player may cut.

A professional dealer is used in poker clubs, casinos, and tournament play, where a round disc (known as a dealer button) is passed clockwise each hand to indicate the nominal dealer for betting purposes. Also, such environments almost invariably charge the players either by setting an hourly rental fee for their seats or by “raking” a small percentage (say, 5 percent) from each pot.

Betting procedure

In each deal there are one or more betting intervals according to the specific poker variant. In each betting interval, one player, as designated by the rules of the variant being played, has the privilege or obligation of making the first bet. This player and each player in turn after him must place in the pot the number of chips (representing money, for which poker is almost invariably played) to make his total contribution to the pot at least equal to the total contribution of the player before him. When a player does this, he is said to be in the pot, or an active player. If a player declines to do this, he discards his hand and is said to drop or fold, and he may no longer compete for the pot.

Before the deal, each player may be required to make a contribution to the pot, called an ante. In each betting interval, the first player to make a bet is said to bet, a player who exactly meets the previous bet is said to call, and a player who bets more than the previous bettor is said to raise. In some variants, a player is permitted to check, which is to stay in without betting, provided no other player has made a bet in that betting interval. Since a player cannot raise his own bet, each betting interval ends when the betting turn has returned to the person who made the last raise or when all players have checked.

At the end of each betting interval except the last, dealing is resumed. At the end of the last betting interval, there is the “showdown,” in which each active player shows his full hand, and the highest-ranking hand wins the pot.

Betting limits

There are “no-limit” or “sky’s-the-limit” games, but in practice most poker games place some limit on what one may bet in any game. There are three popular methods.

Fixed limit

In fixed-limit games, no one may bet or raise by more than the established limit. In draw poker the limit is usually twice as much after the draw as before—for example, two chips before the draw, four chips after. In stud poker the limit is usually twice as much in the final betting interval as in previous betting intervals. (The higher limit applies also when any player’s exposed cards include a pair.) These respective forms of the game are described below. In a fixed-limit game a limit is usually placed on the number of raises that may be made in any betting interval.

Pot limit

In pot-limit contests, a player may bet or raise by no more than the amount in the pot at the time the bet or raise is made. When raising, the player may first put in the pot the number of chips required to call the previous bet and then raise by the number of chips in the pot. When pot limit is played, it is customary also to place a maximum limit on any bet or raise, regardless of the size of the pot.

Table stakes

This method most closely approximates the no-limit game. Each player’s limit is the number of chips he has on the table at the beginning of the deal. He may not bet more, but for this amount he may call any higher bet (go “all in”) and compete for the pot in the showdown. Other players having more chips may continue to bet, but their further bets go into one or more side pots in the manner decided among the players who contributed fully to the side pot. When a player drops out of any side pot, he drops out of the original pot as well, in effect surrendering his rights in the original pot to the player whose later bet he did not call. Thus, there may be different winners of the main pot and various side pots.

Now with Facilities in:
Las Vegas, Nevada
San Antonio, Texas

We believe in tailoring and modifying our instructional techniques to best suit each individual. We strive to keep the learning environment fun and entertaining, as well as offer methodical and concise instruction, in order to guarantee a successful learning experience.

Our facilities are new, modern and retro fitted. Featuring 4 custom built poker tables, 2 assigned to tournament and 2 fully equipped as cash tables. West Coast Dealing School has the very best when it comes to your learning environment. We use casino quality poker chips, all plastic playing cards and we even have real looking replica bank notes. We believe that creating an authentic learning experience is crucial to your success.

West Coast Dealing School is fully licensed by the Commission on Post-Secondary Education in the state of Nevada. We are registered as an LLC with the Secretary of State in Nevada and our Comprehensive Poker Dealer Program is fully approved by the Commission and verified by officials at the WSOP.

I cannot praise Chris and The West Coast Dealing School enough. From world class equipment, to the attention given to every detail in teaching the various styles of poker in order to be a success as a true professional Poker Dealer. Thank you Chris, for giving me all the tools needed for success, and for going so far as to even assist in applying for auditions. It's obvious that you truly care, and it shows in the success of your students. The fact that your door stays open to brush up and stay sharp are key as well. The only place to learn the game properly in Las Vegas!!

After looking over several choices I chose West Coast Dealing School and what an outstanding choice. The owner/instructor Chris Tidmarsh knows the game of poker inside and out. Instruction was given on all games of poker currently being played as well as betting structures, rules, and etiquette of the game. Chris is a hands on teacher making certain your skills and understanding of the game is complete. I have played poker for decades and never appreciated the skills of poker dealers. If you're looking for a quality poker dealing school this is the absolute best choice you can make.

Chris is one of the best instructors I have had the pleasure of working with, in any capacity. He was very accommodating to our needs and revised his curriculum to suite our timeline. Each day he met us with great enthusiasm, had a detailed plan of what to accomplish, and stayed as long as needed to complete. The location and room set up was perfect. He has 4 tables, plenty of room to stretch out, comfy chairs, high quality chips/cards, a small break area and its located in a nice part of town. Chris has tremendous patience with all students but maintains a high level of requisition to ensure you are ready for the 'real world' once you complete the course. I could not be happier with the training myself and team received, it was the best investment we could make in ourselves. Well worth the money, the experience and education vastly exceeded all of my expectations heading in.

I wanted to deal at the World Series of Poker as a 'life experience' rather than pursue a full time job as a dealer. Nonetheless, I was determined to pick the school that would best prepare me for the WSOP. I visited three other poker dealer schools in Vegas and quickly came to the conclusion that West Coast had the most comprehensive program of instruction and truly superior physical facilities. Chris Tidmarsh, the owner/operator of West Coast is an excellent mentor and teacher...he has an in depth understanding of poker, what is required to succeed as a dealer at the highest levels of the profession, and is able to imbue students with the skills needed to rise above the rest of the pack. At my World Series audition, I was pitted against nine other dealers who had years of experience, yet I received the second highest score at the table. West Coast Dealing School may charge a bit more than other schools, but I consider the cost to be an amazing bargain compared to the alternatives.

By FAR the best poker dealing school in Vegas, if not the entire US. An easy-going, yet very informative program designed to be completed at one's own pace. Very realistic to the real world of poker dealing and uses the highest quality materials. Chris Tidmarsh, the owner and instructor, is incredibly gifted at his teaching capabilities and knowledge on all games of poker. If you are debating on other Dealing Schools, know that this one IS the best. Look no further. -- a sincere Thank you Chris for your patience, kind heart and help building the foundation of my own dealing career, I am forever thankful.

The instructor, Chris Tidmarsh, knows poker inside and out. He teaches all the games you need to know to be a professional dealer. He has a great feel for people, and knows when to push the throttle or slow things down for you. There are dozens of little details and nuances that he'll teach you to make your job as a dealer easier, as well as impress when you audition for work.

I dedicated an entire month to come out to Vegas from the east coast to undertake Chris's training. I thoroughly enjoyed the instruction, the overarching philosophy, and the student/alum community he has catalyzed. I heartily recommend Chris's course to anyone wanting to learn and to pass the WSOP audition, which in turn, will qualify one for any other major poker room and tournament series.

West Coast Dealing School is by far the best Poker dealing school out there.
The owner/instructor Chris Tidmarsh is an expert in every aspect of the game, from dealing and protection, to etiquette and anything you can name, and he takes pride in making his students top notch professionals. You will learn how to deal all the various WSOP tournament and cash games by one on one personal training to dealing in live mock poker tournament and cash games. The course comes with a comprehensive easy to read poker dealing manual written by the owner that is probably the best in the business and should become your lifelong poker dealing bible. I suggest that you go visit the school and see for yourself. By the way, I am currently attending West Coast Dealing School and I believe the course is Priceless!

100% recommend West Coast Dealing School.
Yes, you will spend a little extra upfront but this investment in your future is well worth it! Chris (owner-instructor) is very competent and experienced in all aspects of poker and will have you prepared for a new career in poker. This course is detailed and prepares you to deal both cash and tournament style in 25+ games. (I couldn't believe there were that many poker games either). Chris has a first class set up and classroom with both cash and tournament poker tables. Since my graduation, I have participated in auditions and seen first-hand the great preparation of West Coast Dealing vs. bare minimum of other dealer schools. West Coast will give you, just like it did me, a head start in poker.
In short, you will be cheating yourself if don't spend a little more upfront at West Coast for your successful career in poker.

The instruction here is fantastic. Walking in the first day I was thinking, 'What could possibly take 100 hours to teach?' Walking out that same day, I understood. I play poker but there was so much I didn't know.
Chris explains things very well so everything is easy to understand. The learning process is well structured so you build on what you have learned. This was a great experience and I looked forward to going to school every day. I can't think of anyway he could make this class better. I've never had a better teacher/instructor!
I learned 25 games to be able to deal at the 2017 WSOP.

The owner Chris is an aficionado of poker dealing! He spent countless hours beyond the requirements to train and fine tune my skills to allow me to gain the confidence to attend any poker audition. His knowledge, expertise, and most of all patience, make this course well worth the cost. I would recommend this school to anyone looking to be a GREAT poker dealer!

Chris Tidmarsh, the instructor at West Coast Dealing School, is a very knowledgeable man when it comes to the myriad of details & intricacies of the varieties of poker games that exist. He is very patient and continuously pushes you in the right direction to understand the nuances behind why every rule or technique is valid and important.
The overall facility is extremely clean, the training environment is quite expansive, there are always complimentary refreshments available on hand, but most importantly, you will get an abundance of time 'in the box' (i.e., the dealer's seat) which, in of itself, in my opinion earns West Coast Dealing School this five-star rating.
I highly recommend WCDS to all future poker dealing professionals who are dead set on learning to deal these fun games of cards the right way, the first time. It was truly an amazing experience learning there.

Supreme education in dealing all variants and learning every rule of poker.

What We Teach

At WCDS we teach dealing techniques, procedures and rules for 30+ poker games. You will be given detailed instruction in both tournament and cash formats and on completion of the course you will have knowledge of Limit, No-Limit, Pot Limit & Spread limit betting structures. The WSOP and most major poker rooms & casinos require dealers who have a thorough knowledge of the skills you will attain on this course. For more information about our curriculum please refer to our Courses Page.

Board Games

Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Omaha split Hi-Low 8 or better, Big O, Double Board Omaha, Drawmaha, Pineapple, Crazy Pineapple.

Blackjack Dealing Procedures

Stud Poker

7 Card Stud High, 7 Card Razz (Low), 7 Card Stud Hi-Low split 8 or better, 7 Card Stud Split Hi-Low Regular, Razzdugi, Razzduci.

Draw Poker

5 Card Draw (High), 2-7 (Deuce to Seven) single/triple draw, A-5 (Ace to Five) single/triple draw, Badugi, Baduci, Badaci, Archie.

Other Poker Games

Chinese Poker, Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC), Pineapple Open Face Chinese Poker, Taiwanese Poker.

Betting Structures

Limit, No-Limit, Pot Limit, Spread Limit.

Poker Formats

We teach all the procedures to deal both tournament poker and cash poker. We will explain, in detail, procedures and rule differences between the two formats.

Cash & Cheque handling

To deal poker professionally you will need to understand how to deal with cash and players cheques and the necessary procedures expected of a dealer when working in a professional card room or casino. This course will provide you with all the information needed and there will be ample time to practice these important skills.

More than just dealing procedures

Dealing cards is obviously a crucial part of being a poker dealer, but there are many more procedures you will need to understand in order to deal a professional tournament or cash game. Some of the common situations a dealer needs to be able to address are attending to the 'Chip Race' in a tournament, dealing a high card to break a table or simply setting up a deck of cards during a player break. This course will address each of those issues and more... When do we use an 'All In' button or apply a 'Kill' pot? When to issue a missed 'Big' or 'Small' blind button? How are 'Straddles' incorporated into the game, or what is an 'Absent' button used for or when is a '3rd Man Walking' lammer applied? Our course will take you through every nuance and detail to make you the most desirable poker dealer available.

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