The role of the dealer in Holdem Poker

Understanding the role of the dealer in Holdem Poker is vital to understanding the betting cycles of the game.

Who is the dealer?

The role of dealer rotates clockwise following each hand. However, when you are playing online Holdem Poker, the software will always do the dealing and one player will be nominated as the figurative dealer. Normally this person is identified by a white disc or marker being placed next to them. In poker lingo being the dealer is also known as being on the button.

The dealers strength

The strength of being the dealer lies in the fact that you act last in every round post flop. This means you will get to see every other players actions before having to decide what you are going to do. So, for example, if everyone has checked following a very dry flop, then a small bet might get them all to fold and win you some money.

After every hand, the dealer button is moved clockwise. As the dealer button moves, so do the blinds. This means that everyone at the table gets a turn at being the dealer and having the strength of this position.