How does Dealer's Choice work?
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How does Dealer's Choice work?

From what I know in mixed games, each variant is played for a fixed number of hands. The game cycles through all variants listed. But looking at the Dealer's Choice structure sheet, there are over 20 variants listed. Does the game really go through every single variant? If not, does the dealer choose which variants are played in their table?

14 May 2024 at 05:09 AM
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7 Replies



Each poker room may have it's own twist on the rules. You aren't really describing 'Dealer's Choice', you are describing a RxR (round by round) or 'typical' mixed games table. In those games the game will change when it crosses the live Dealer, going from Seat 9 to Seat 1.

In Dealer's Choice there could be a separate Button and when the real Button gets to that Player then that Player will change the game for the next orbit. Then the next Player gets to choose when it comes back around.

In Mixed Games tournaments (like the $50k PPC at WSOP), when there may be a different amount of Players at each table, then the tournament may set a fixed amount of hands that must be played 'per game' rather than changing when crossing the live Dealer. This can be a bit of bad luck for some Players since they may need to pay the BB/Ante twice per 'round' of a game.

The list you are describing may be the list of games that a Player may be allowed to call. In a Mixed Game setting the games are played in the order listed and then just keep rotating. GL


Yeah, I’ve never heard of dealers choice in a casino or card room. I can’t claim to have been in EVERY casino or card room, though, so maybe. However in many locales DC would likely run afoul of gaming regulations. In many jurisdictions, game rules, betting structures, etc. at a given table are set in stone and cannot be altered. It’s hard to see how you could do DC in such a room.


DC isn't that much different than RxR except for a Player deciding what game to play for that orbit. I agree that some Gaming Boards may not see how simple the concept really is as well as having to get educated on some 'new words'.

As long a the game is approved in that casino, then it shouldn't be an issue at the table. It's how the casino needs to post the game for the list that may create a Gaming discussion.

We run a NLxPLOxBomb game and Gaming had no issue with it since all three games are approved. We've run it at both State and Tribal room settings. GL


by stremba70 k

Yeah, I’ve never heard of dealers choice in a casino or card room. I can’t claim to have been in EVERY casino or card room, though, so maybe. However in many locales DC would likely run afoul of gaming regulations. In many jurisdictions, game rules, betting structures, etc. at a given table are set in stone and cannot be altered. It’s hard to see how you could do DC in such a room.


You might have a wrong understanding of dealers choice.

Let's say there's a mixed game that includes 10 variants. In one scenario the games rotate in a specific order. In the other one (dealers choice) a human (for example the player with the button in front of them) picks the next game.


by madlex k

You might have a wrong understanding of dealers choice.

Let's say there's a mixed game that includes 10 variants. In one scenario the games rotate in a specific order. In the other one (dealers choice) a human (for example the player with the button in front of them) picks the next game.

I get what dealers choice is. In at least one casino I have played in, this would be illegal according to gaming regulations. The regulations allow for different games, but only at different tables. A table designated as 1/3 NL Hold em is ONLY allowed to run as 1/3 NL hold ‘em. Mixed games are not permitted.

Betting structures also are strictly enforced, so if the table is defined as NL, you cannot play PL, spread limit or fixed limit games. Blind values are likewise not allowed to be changed. Even bomb pots are not technically allowed, although they occur by player agreement. The only money permitted to be wagered before a deal are the mandatory blinds and an optional UTG straddle for 2BB. Bomb pots must be done by posting as normal, dealing the cards and then UTG raising to the agreed upon amount and everyone calling in turn.

Obviously this is not the case everywhere, and I never intended to imply that it was. I only stated that in some jurisdictions a DC game would be difficult if not impossible to run under local gaming regulations.


Well if no mixed game is allowed then no mixed game is allowed. Same as if "no limit" is not allowed then no limit is not allowed.

The thread is obviously about card rooms that do allow for mixed games.


If you are referring to the Dealer's Choice events at the WSOP. There is a list of over 20 games to choose from and whoever is the "dealer" gets to pick the game for the next orbit.

There will be rotating red (I think) Dealer button that determines who calls the game. Then the normal white button will be in play if its a flop game.


I dont think true Dealer's Choice is played much in cardrooms. Mixed Games in general are rare enough. Most likely if your casino has a "Dealer's Choice" game its just a a rotation of weird mixed games like Archie, Drawmaha, SuperStud and the like.

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