A dealer button is the small puck that tells the whole table who deals, who posts the blinds and who acts first. Without it, every hand starts with the same question: “whose deal is it?”. With it, the game flows, the blinds rotate without mistakes and the table instantly feels like a real tournament. All that's left is choosing the right one: acrylic, glass, ceramic or brass, a 43 mm round button or an 82 mm puck, plain or customized with your logo. Here's how to choose.
What is the dealer button for in poker?
In Texas Hold'em and Omaha alike, the dealer's position sets everything else. The dealer button marks that position and moves one seat clockwise at the end of every hand.
- The blinds: the player directly to the left of the button posts the small blind, the next player posts the big blind.
- The order of action: before the flop, the first player to act sits to the left of the big blind. After the flop, it's the first active player to the left of the button.
- The best seat: the player on the button acts last on the flop, turn and river. They see every opponent act before deciding, which makes it the most profitable seat at the table.
- Fairness: since the button moves every hand, everyone pays the blinds and enjoys position in turn.
In a game with a professional dealer, the player on the button does not deal: the button simply marks the “virtual” dealer position. In a home game, the player on the button usually shuffles and deals.
Dealer, small blind, big blind: the three buttons of the table
A dealer button is all you need to play. But as soon as the table seats 8 to 10 players, or the players are beginners, adding a small blind button and a big blind button prevents missed blinds: everyone sees at a glance who has to post, and the dealer or organizer no longer has to remind them every hand. The three buttons move together one seat after each hand.
SMALL BLIND button · BIG BLIND button
Which material should you choose for a dealer button?
The material determines how it feels in hand, how stable it is on the felt, how readable it is and how long it lasts. Four families share the market.
Acrylic (plexiglass): the club and tournament standard
This is the material of the classic tournament button: a thick puck, often transparent, with “DEALER” engraved or printed on it. Acrylic is light, stands up well to knocks and scratches, and is perfect for engraving a logo. The 82 x 20 mm puck is the most visible format: it never gets lost among the chips, even on a busy table. It's our recommendation for clubs, associations and tournament organizers.
Featured models: “TRANSPARENT” dealer button 45 mm, “CP” dealer button 82 x 20 mm, “CARTES-PROD” dealer button 82 x 20 mm
Glass: the premium finish
Glass brings a reassuring weight and a glossy finish that catches the light. The button stays firmly in place on the felt and wipes clean in seconds. It does need a little more care: a fall onto a hard floor is unforgiving. It's the choice for living-room tables and private games where looks matter as much as function.
Featured models: “THE BIG ONE” dealer button 85 mm, “STAR XL” dealer button, “BLACK & GOLD” dealer button
Ceramic: the feel of a casino chip
A 50 mm ceramic dealer button feels like a casino chip, only slightly bigger. Smooth surface, full-color print across the face, excellent scratch resistance: it's the ideal button to match a case of ceramic chips. It's also the most affordable of the premium models.
Featured models: “HONG KONG STAR”, “FRENCH POKER TOUR”, “THE SHARK”
Brass and metal: the button that stays put
Brass and metal make the heaviest and most durable buttons. They don't slide when pushed to the next player, they don't wear out and they develop a nice patina over time. Compact 43 mm format, gold or silver finish: it's the serious player's accessory, and a popular gift.
Featured models: “ON THE DEALER BUTTON” brass 43 mm, “RED & BLACK” metal 43 mm
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Which dealer button size for which table?
| Format | Materials | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Round 43 to 45 mm | Brass, metal, glass | Home game, 6-player table, gift |
| Round 50 mm | Ceramic | Regular home game, matches ceramic chips |
| Puck 70 to 82 x 20 mm | Acrylic, glass | Club, tournament, 9 to 10-player table |
| XL 85 mm | Acrylic | Large table, event, beginner players |
The rule is simple: the bigger the table and the more chips on it, the bigger and thicker the button should be. A 43 mm button is easy to spot on a 6-player table; on a 10-player tournament table, go for an 82 mm puck.
Dealer button and card guard in one
A card guard is the protector a player places on their two face-down cards so they aren't mucked by mistake. Some models are reversible: one side card guard, the other side “DEALER”. The same item protects your cards during the hand and serves as a dealer button when it's your turn to deal. A great gift idea for a regular player.
Featured models: “CARD GUARD DEALER BLACK” oval brass, “CARD GUARD DEALER PURPLE” oval brass
Custom dealer button: for a club, a tournament or a company
Club logo, tournament name, brand colors: the dealer button is the most visible item on the table, which makes it the best showcase for your identity. Two options:
- The custom 82 x 20 mm acrylic puck, made to order from your logo. It's the go-to solution for poker clubs and circuit organizers who want a button in their event colors on every table.
- The full-print ceramic dealer / card guard, printed in full color across the entire surface. Ideal for corporate gifts, tournament trophies and player prizes.
For a consistent set, have your chips customized in the same design.
Custom dealer button 82 x 20 mm · Custom ceramic dealer / card guard · Custom chips and items
Caring for your dealer button
- Acrylic and glass: a soft, slightly damp cloth, then a dry cloth to avoid streaks. No alcohol or household cleaner on acrylic, which turns cloudy and cracks.
- Ceramic: warm water and mild soap, never an abrasive sponge that scratches the print.
- Brass and metal: a dry cloth day to day, a metal polish from time to time to restore the shine.
- Storage: in the case with your chips or in a pouch, away from knocks and moisture.
Complete your poker table
The dealer button is just one piece of the kit. Browse all our poker accessories, poker chips and poker tables. To dress up an existing table, read our guide to choosing a casino mat.
Frequently asked questions
Which way does the dealer button move?
The dealer button moves one seat clockwise at the end of every hand. The player to its left posts the small blind, the next player posts the big blind.
Who posts the blinds heads-up?
Heads-up, the player on the button posts the small blind and acts first before the flop. After the flop, they act last. The other player posts the big blind.
What size dealer button should I choose?
A round 43 to 50 mm button is enough for a home game of up to 6 players. For a 9 to 10-player table or a tournament, an 82 x 20 mm puck stays visible even among stacks of chips.
Do I need small blind and big blind buttons?
They aren't mandatory, but they prevent missed blinds at large tables and with beginner players. They move with the dealer button after each hand.
Can I have a dealer button engraved with my logo?
Yes. The 82 x 20 mm acrylic puck is made to order with your logo, and the ceramic dealer / card guard is available with a full custom print.