At the Blackjack table the house might have had an interest in bringing
in a "mechanic" to deal seconds to a whale. And maybe in a private
poker game a "road gambler" (who dealt, but also played in, the game
just like you do at the Elk's Club) might use his skills to his own
advantage.
But folks ... it simply doesn't happen in casinos or card rooms today.
There is a very simple rule in play to keep it from EVER happening:
Don't give the dealer an opportunity to read that top card.
We all see this rule in action whenever we play "house" poker:
It's called "Burn & Turn".
We've had a lot of fun ragging Richard about his dealer/player
status at ATLARGE II. I join other writers in looking forward to
meeting a guy who has made many valuable posts to ATLARGE
and/or our games later this week. I think it's clear that none of
us has ever had the slightest doubt about Richard's integrity.
But can he play as good a game as we (all think we) do?
There's an easy answer to this (for Richard and for all of us)
too ... It's the oldest saying in gambling:
"You pays your money and you takes your chances!"
Thanks Richard.
And we'll see what happens.
Bill Alan