I'm not an expert on dealer tipping, so I wanted to get a feel for what others tip, and make sure I'm tipping ok. In watching what others do, I think I'm middle of the road. I see people tip every single hand they've won, regardless of amount, I've also seen people not tip at all, or those who only tip if they win a huge hand.
Here's my philosophy on tipping the dealers when I've played live $1/2:
If I raise and only get the blinds (with maybe up to 1 limper), I'm not usually tipping (especially if I'm one of the blinds).
As a general rule, if there's a redbird in the pot that I didn't put there, I'm tipping (my standard tip is a $1 chip).
If I win a large pot with a sea of red chips, I'm tipping more than $1 (anywhere from $2-5 depending). I don't remember too many $5 tips, but I know there have been a couple pots worth $300+ that I recall tipping decently.
I also tend to tip more when the dealer is pleasant and engaging (and efficient). I also recall snubbing a dealer at Ballys who cost me a serious pot by completely screwing up a hand (and was unapologetic), this dealer had a major attitude.
I also try not to vary my tipping based on my chip stack, but if I'm doing well, I seem to be more likely to dole out higher tips. If I'm short stacked, it's harder to part with chips (when they give you an advantage). I've caught myself tipping a tad lighter when I'm extremely short stacked. Again, I try to tip consistently.
So, what are people's tipping guidelines?
Here's my philosophy on tipping the dealers when I've played live $1/2:
If I raise and only get the blinds (with maybe up to 1 limper), I'm not usually tipping (especially if I'm one of the blinds).
As a general rule, if there's a redbird in the pot that I didn't put there, I'm tipping (my standard tip is a $1 chip).
If I win a large pot with a sea of red chips, I'm tipping more than $1 (anywhere from $2-5 depending). I don't remember too many $5 tips, but I know there have been a couple pots worth $300+ that I recall tipping decently.
I also tend to tip more when the dealer is pleasant and engaging (and efficient). I also recall snubbing a dealer at Ballys who cost me a serious pot by completely screwing up a hand (and was unapologetic), this dealer had a major attitude.
I also try not to vary my tipping based on my chip stack, but if I'm doing well, I seem to be more likely to dole out higher tips. If I'm short stacked, it's harder to part with chips (when they give you an advantage). I've caught myself tipping a tad lighter when I'm extremely short stacked. Again, I try to tip consistently.
So, what are people's tipping guidelines?