When playing poker..?

Question

and the dealer lays out the cards, why do they bang on the table afterwards?

Answer 1

When players tab the table it usally means that they are checking which is continuing without betting. But if its not this then I don't know.

Answer 2

I think it's a way to let the players know the flop, turn, or river is coming.

Answer 3

When they bang or tap the table that means they do not want to bet on that round. This is called Checking. It's usually done when someone does not have a great hand but wants to see the next cards, and sometimes it is done to test the waters a bit with the other players. If you would like to learn a bit more about poker, be it online or offline, you can go to online poker schools. These are now commonly provided on reputable online poker sites. Often you can even put the teachings into practice without the need to deposit funds.

Answer 4

I think they have various hand motions to show that they aren't holding any chips and/or don't have any extra cards in their hands and/or to signal to the players/cameras that the next card is coming.

Answer 5

If you are referring to the dealer, then this is a procedural motion required by the casino.

I believe the purpose is to establish a reference point for the overhead security cameras which observe and tape every action on the table.  It is an indication that the deal has been completed and the dealer is showing that the cards have been dealt leagally, and no cards are in the dealers hand or have been misdealt.

Answer 6

Casinos have very strict procedures for every game they deal.  Whether it is poker, blackjack, you name it.  The idea is that it is easier for the security guys to notice if something strange is going on, because the procedures are not being followed.

This motion you describe is probably partly to show that their hand is empty and to alert the player that the next street is about to be dealt.  This would give a moment for a player to shout out an objection if there was something weird going on.  Like a player still with cards had forgotten to bet or something of that nature.