Cut (cards) - Etiquette

Etiquette

The contiguous section may also be taken from the middle of the deck. This is called "Scarne's cut," though in some settings this is considered poor etiquette or against the rules. A cut involving a very small number of cards, such as taking only the top card as a cut, is often acceptable. The same is true when a player takes every top card save for one on the cut.

During informal card games, the dealer is typically not required to offer the cut, and even if offered, the designated player can decline the request. On the other hand, any player may specifically request to cut the cards before they are dealt. If a cut is requested by a player, it must be granted by the dealer.

In formal player dealt settings, such as in a casino or during a tournament, an offer to cut the deck is mandatory and the designated player must perform the cut, generally by inserting a cut card (a plastic card about the size of a playing card, usually solid-colored) into the deck; the dealer then makes the actual cut at that point in the deck. When the dealer is not a player (i.e. a casino employee), the cut is mandatory and is usually performed by the dealer. In this instance, the deck is cut onto the aforementioned cut card, and the cut completed; this prevents players from seeing the bottom card of the deck.

A cut should always be completed with one hand to limit possibility of a false cut.