But, with this method of tipping isn't the player trapped into making a "double tip" should his cards need splitting? On a double down, the player would be okay, as he could double less the "tip chip", but I think he is trapped with the split if my memory is correct in that one has to bet the same amount on a split. I thought you might have some suggestions on this.

Mac B.

As with most service industry jobs, Mac, most front-line casino employees get paid minimum wage. The majority of a casino dealer's pay comes through the gratuities of casino patrons, like you.

In dealer jargon, a tip is called a toke. You can offer your toke directly to the dealer, or you can place a side bet on top of or in front of your wager for the dealer. So which do dealers prefer? As Henry states correctly, most dealers favor a side bet alongside yours rather than receiving the toke directly. This side wager makes them feel like they're also in action and have a stake in the game. A bet for the dealer provides a little excitement in what can be a pretty tedious job at times. Check that. Pitching cards and performing mind-numbing mental calculations like counting to 21 is tedious all of the time.

As for a "double tip" if you choose to double down or split pairs in favorable situations, yes, I guess you could look at it that way, but you are under no obligation to double your tip, nor does it have to be the same amount. I would guesstimate that half the players do add to their original bet for the dealer, half do not.

Personally, Mac, I've always looked at doubling up for the dealer as a contribution to the Dame of Fortune, Lady Luck. Besides, dealers need those gestures of gratuity to make a decent wage. If the casinos had to pay a true living wage to dealers instead of dealers accepting tips, casinos would have to figure a way of making up for lost revenue. For starters, they would change the rules of the game, increase table minimums, and even alter paybacks, like paying even money on a blackjack.

Bottom line, Mac, only tip what you are comfortable with, and only tip for good service. Even I, with 20 years on the inside, won't tip a disgruntled blackjack dealer.

Dear Mark: What is your favorite Gambling Wisdom of the Week quote?

Alastair K.

Gambling quotes, Alastair, seem to take on a life of their own. Take for instance one quote that's attributed to Yours Truly; "The smarter you play, the luckier you'll be." That quote has found its way into a half dozen books, and not necessarily on gambling. It even appears on page two of The Acquisitive Distributor: 4 Keys to Success When Buying a Wholesale Business. I would add that tome to my personal library, being that I'm in it, but it's $239.80 at Amazon so I'll pass.

Picking one, Alastair, gosh, there are so many good gambling quotations. I've always been humored by this one: "Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit." ~R. E. Shay.

Years working the Green Felt Jungle makes me appreciate this dilly: "A gambler with a system must be, to a greater or lesser extent, insane." George Augustus Sala (1828-95) English writer and journalist.

But I would have to say this gem from Proverb is probably my favorite: "In a bet there is a fool and a thief."

Got a question about gambling? Write to: Deal Me In, P.O. Box 1234, Traverse City, Michigan 49685 -e-mail: pilarski@markpilarski. com • To order Mark Pilarski’s “Hooked on Winning” audio cassettes-laminated win cards package ($12.95 plus $2 S&H) call 1-800-WINNERS.