Learn Texas Holdem

Online Poker: Screen Names and Icons

One of the first steps to getting started playing online poker is to create a screen name. Coming up with a screen name is not always as simple as it seems. While some people pride themselves on being clever, others just do not care enough to think that long on it. While some names are witty and use poker jargon word play, other names are simply silly or . Your screen name can ideally be anything, but it is best if your name cannot be taken offensively by anyone. You should try to refrain from using vulgar, obscene or hateful language when choosing your name. Some sites will warn you about their rules for creating screen names; other sites will simply block your account.

Screen Name Tells

You should definitely take into account that you are playing with all different types of people. One of the characteristics that poker players pride themselves on is being able to not give tells about themselves. However, many people's names do just that. People with the number 420 in their names, for instance, are telling others that they might smoke marijuana. Besides telling others that they may dabble, they are also telling them that they may in fact be high while playing. Many players will try and use this to their advantage. This is possible, but keep in mind, this does not mean that the 420 player will be terrible.

Many people choose professional or famous poker players' names for their own. While this name may be the person's favorite player or it is chosen to give off some intimidation, it may also give you tell as to the style that they play in. Because poker is such a widely televised event currently, many players try to mimic the styles or the ones they watch and see win the most. There are actually quite a few professional poker players that do play online. Poker Stars, Full Tilt and Ultimate Bet are three sites where you can find professional players. Their screen names are not hidden and they play in live games with people.

However, some people choose screen names to intentionally mislead opponents about their playing. Sharks are known as great poker players; someone with this name is just as likely to be an amateur as they are to be an avid player. Likewise, someone with fish in their name is just as likely to be an experienced player trying to give off the impression that he or she is new to the game.

• Date posted Jul 21, 2008
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Author

Clark Jensen

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