I was sitting 4/8 in the 6s at Cache Creek. A nice loose aggressive table that paid the full amount, on solid hands. A bizarre thing happened, no not really if you play more than twice a year. One of the dealers thumped the table in front of the 1s after the flop to signal his action. The next 3 players all verbally checked and only then did the 1s make a bet. "Floor..." The decision came down correctly, that the bet couldn't stand because the dealer didn't call "Time!" while the remaining 3 players verbally checked. I.e. the thumping appeared to them and me too as the 1s hitting the table to signify his check. He's a pretty nice guy too, but nice has nothing to do with it. No tip for that dealer from me.
Later, the dealing troubles continued. Helen dealt my first card and it literally rolled to me at an 89 degree angle, but didn't flip over. I was in the big blind and when she finished dealing in the button, I slid that card to her and said, "it flashed". Rather than just dealing me another card, exposing that card and using it for the burn she matter of factly said, "No, it didn't". Shock and Awe was an expression that immediately hit my face. "What? it was at an 89 degree angle. How could they not," motioning to the other 60% of the table, "have seen it." I'm starting to think about her tip situation...
Helen called the floor over and began to explain what had happened. I got involved too, both illustrating and stating the card's angle. Mr. Wizard then agrees with Helen, "It didn't flash." "WHAT!?!?!" He stammers, "wait sir let me ask. Did anyone see his card?" I stared at him stunned at his complete lack of logic and reason. Of course noone saw my card, or so they all claimed. What possible reason would they have to lie about such a thing? I just mucked both of my cards blind and laughed at him, what else could I do, floor decisions stand. Regardles of how ridiculous they are. No tip for that dealer from me.
An hour later, a third dealer pointed to the 1s to signify first action after the flop. "Check." "Check." "Check." It was like Deja Vu all over again! I let out a, "Any chance of controlling the game!?!?!" I got the deer in headlights stare and a feeble, "I am." "Then why didn't you call Time???" "They acted out of turn." "Thus why you call Time..." I just laughed at him when he rolled his eyes. No tip for that dealer either. Although I have to confess, I never tip that prick anyway, he's a terrible dealer that never manages the game. He just sorts his rack and watches TV, yes, watches TV while the game happens around him. So, definitely, no tip for that dealer from me.
I did see Louis the Dealer a while later and I fawned over his iron fisted control of the game. As per usual, I was very pleased with his performance. Another player had an issue with him, citing our conversation as a distraction since he'd asked for a new setup. Which actually wasn't the case, since he'd said "Can I ask for a setup?" Sure, anytime; just ask! He called the floor, same moron as before and complained that the dealer was talking too much and wasn't dealing the game fast enough and that he hadn't gotten a setup and that he wasn't catching cards and that the sky was falling since he was running bad. As Louis was leaving he did rattle off, "I only got off 18 hands that down, but I did have to change the setup," and smiled. I laughed out loud. That dealer got a couple of tips from me.
Toward the end of my 9 hour session I ordered takeout from the Mexican joint. NO MORE CHILE VERDE TODAY! Those words seemed to thunder through my head and sink my heart into my shoes. "Ugh....." I had to settle for the Chile Colorado, but I would much rather have had the green sauce in Verde. I guess the lesser of sauted Pork dishes would have to suffice my craving. I also picked up an order of Scallop Ceviche to go with it (Scallops in Pico basically). Yes, I tipped the hostess for processing the order.
I finished out my session a $600 winner, racked up and left for home.
So, it's simple: Run a good game, get a tip from me. Otherwise, take a flying leap.
Nicholas has left the 3s