PokerStars recently released a new set of procedures to improve security and integrity throughout their tournaments.
The biggest procedure put forth is that all dealers will continue to slide cards instead of pitching. The reason for this is so that players with bad intentions cannot see the cards coming off the deck, not only with their eyes but with technology and cameras in their phones, rings, etc. This situation has actually recently happened at some casinos.
While I applaud PokerStar's efforts, I also understand the amount of effort it would take for the procedure to be changed worldwide. Not only have dealers been pitching cards for decades, but there are certain costs and training and retraining that would need to be done, not to mention the humidity.
In Europe, many dealers have been trained this way from the start, and in Australian casinos, they mandate that dealers use shoes when they slide deal.
Maintaining game integrity
I'd support this change because it is the best way to maintain integrity when dealing. But that doesn't mean that card room and casino management around the globe would be willing to pay for new felts, new cards, and retraining of their dealing staff.
I will again bring this up at our upcoming TDA Summit and see what the attendees think about making the slide pitching standard a reality.
Is sliding detrimental to a dealer's body?
I don't even know how sliding instead of pitching ergonomically affects dealers. Is sliding harder on dealers?
Perhaps their wrists, shoulders, arms, and backs will be stressed more. Is it more difficult for them to do that than the standard pitch? It’s a good question.
Matt Berkey: LFG! What’s the problem
Many players are out there, including the recently-retired podcaster Matt Berkey, who repeatedly told me how easy it would be for every dealer to make this change.
Challenge: Show me what you got
I challenge all of you to send me a video of yourself at home or your local casino slide dealing. I invite you to show me how easy it is.
What do you think about the dealer sliding cards instead of pitching? Let me know in the comments below.
I ask all the fans and players to directly submit interesting situations and videos to me on my X account. Your question could be the next Savage Rules!
Matt Savage is the WPT Executive Tour Director, founder of the Tournament Directors Association, and a respected member of the poker community. Matt is a five-time GPI award winner and a nine-time Poker Hall of Fame nominee.
You can follow Matt on X. For more info, visit PokerTDA.com and WPT.com.
