Dealing cards in free online poker may seem simple, but doing it correctly is essential to ensure a smooth, fair, and enjoyable game. Whether you’re hosting a home game or stepping in as a dealer for friends, knowing the right procedures helps maintain the flow of the game and avoids confusion or disputes. A proper deal also reflects respect for the game and the players.

Understand the Dealer’s Responsibilities

Before you start dealing, it’s important to understand the role of the dealer. You’re not just handing out cards—you’re managing the game flow, maintaining order, handling bets, and ensuring that all players receive the correct number of cards in a timely and fair manner. A good dealer stays neutral, consistent, and attentive throughout each hand.

Prepare the Table

Clear the table of distractions and ensure there’s enough space for cards, chips, and community cards (if applicable). Use a clean, standard deck of 52 cards and verify there are no jokers or damaged cards. Shuffle thoroughly to ensure randomness and fairness before each hand.

Learn the Basic Shuffling and Cutting Process

A proper shuffle includes at least three riffles, one box shuffle (optional), and one cut. Offer the deck to a player (usually to the dealer’s right) to cut before dealing. This process minimizes any suspicion of stacked decks and reinforces fairness at the table.

Deal Cards Clockwise

Cards are always dealt clockwise starting with the player to the immediate left of the dealer, often called the “small blind” position in games like Texas Hold’em. Distribute one card at a time to each player until all players have the correct number of cards. For most poker games, this will be two cards in Texas Hold’em or five in Five Card Draw.

Handle Community Cards with Care

In games like Texas Hold’em or Omaha, community cards are dealt in the center of the table. The standard order is:

1. The Flop – three cards dealt face up after the first betting round.

2. The Turn – one card dealt face up after the second betting round.

3. The River – one final card dealt face up after the third betting round.

Before dealing any community cards, always “burn” (discard) one card face down to prevent any chance of cheating or marked card usage.

Maintain Card Dealing Etiquette

Cards should be dealt face down with one smooth motion and slide across the table without flipping or revealing them. Avoid throwing or flipping cards, which can expose their value or damage the cards. Ensure each card reaches the player directly and fairly.

Manage the Pot and Betting Rounds

While dealing, you’re also responsible for keeping track of the pot and the order of bets. Announce the action clearly, especially during betting rounds, and be sure all bets and raises are placed properly in the pot. If players are unclear, offer guidance without influencing decisions.

Know When to Step Aside

If you’re playing in the game and rotating the dealer role, always prioritize fairness and avoid rushing through hands. If another player is more experienced or willing to deal consistently, it’s often smoother to let them handle it. The main goal is to keep the game fun, fair, and well-paced.

FAQ

What’s the proper way to deal cards in Texas Hold’em?

Start by shuffling, offer a cut, then deal two face-down cards to each player starting from your left, one at a time, moving clockwise. Follow the correct order for community cards with burned cards before each street.

How many cards should be burned during a poker hand?

In games with community cards like Texas Hold’em, one card is burned before the flop, the turn, and the river—totaling three burned cards per hand.

Do I need a special table or equipment to deal poker properly?

While a dedicated poker table helps, you only need a clean playing surface, a standard 52-card deck, and enough chips to host a well-organized game. Good dealing technique matters more