An alias will help to identify the player, help to establish a common image for the player and, if possible, offer some type of joke, reference or personality. The key distinction here is between a signal, which suggests something (the name) about the player’s desired image and reliable evidence (the actual play and behavior of the player).
Why an Alias Provides Instant Cues
Researchers have described usernames as an element of identity display within digital environments. Users select these types of names to indicate their sense of humor, what groups they belong to, their interests, etc., and/or they are providing a version of themselves suited for a specific context.
For example, researchers conducted a study on usernames used in World of Warcraft, and they found that raters were able to agree with each other regarding the personalities they associated with various usernames. However, those opinions did not align with the reported personalities of the users.
Neither of these opinions provides the observer with information related to the experience level of the player, whether or not he/she is cautious or aggressive, etc., or whether he/she is attentive/distracted during games or simply selected the first name that became available.
The Common Signals Players Interpret Based Upon Names
Names incorporating words such as shark, ace, bluff, pressure, or math can indicate confidence and an interest in strategy. If names contain humorous references they may assist in establishing a relaxed atmosphere. References to fantasy and regionally-specific phrases can signal that the individual belongs to a particular fan community. Numbers can denote the significance of a year, a preferred hand or anything else the user decides.
Interpretations of names generally fall into three basic categories:
- Tone: serious, lighthearted/conversational, confrontational, sarcastic/intentional ambiguity, neutral/unspecific.
- Identity: a pastime/hobby, fictional character, location/profession/cultural reference.
- Experience: Although terms used in poker nomenclature can suggest experience with poker; it is simple enough to replicate terms from a variety of sources.
It is the signals that matter most when an alias continues to be visible and/or constant across multiple sessions. Poker platforms vary significantly in terms of allowing players to remain visible/consistent across multiple sessions. For instance, Bovada offers anonymous tables that use random numbers assigned to each player prior to being dealt his/her first hand.
As a result, the potential for creating an immediate story surrounding a known alias is diminished. The difference illustrates that first impressions are formed partially by platform design rather than entirely by player selection.
Poker Alias Strategy Strengths Are Limited by Changing Player Behaviors
An alias may remain unchanged for a long time, while the poker behavior of the player will change based on position, player stacks, opponent(s), the poker game (format), and the player’s current state of mind. In other words, an alias used many years ago may no longer reflect the true nature of the owner. Moreover, an alias may be designed to mislead others. A conservative player could use an alias that reflects aggression, while a highly experienced player may want to use an alias that is either humorous or difficult to remember.
Username simplicity research has shown that usernames which are simpler to process by users can affect user’s perception of trustworthiness in online marketplace settings. This does not imply that a name’s ability to simplify processing will predict how honest or strategic a player is at a poker table. The context where a user forms their opinions about another user’s identity is important; therefore, what you perceive when you interact with someone in one type of online environment should not be viewed as evidence of a person’s overall identity.
More useful table reading comes from observing actual player behavior rather than relying solely on the name of the player:
- their responses to raises;
- patterns in timing and possible shifts in these timing patterns after experiencing large wins or losses;
- differences in betting behavior in both early and late positions.
Identity, Style & Benefits of Being Ambiguous
A good poker alias doesn’t have to describe the player literally. The primary advantages of a good poker alias are readability, memorability, and style that fits well with the surrounding situation. A home-game alias can take advantage of an inside joke that might confound people who don’t know what it means. A publicly viewable username typically benefits from being easy to pronounce, and having a distinctive character without giving away too much personally identifiable information.
In addition to the characteristics of a good poker alias, the target audience plays just as big of a role as the name itself. Humor that is edgy to your friends may come off as hostility to everyone else. Using a reference to popular culture may give you immediate recognition now and become dated later. Additionally, using the same uncommon username across multiple unrelated websites makes it easier to identify commonalities between your various online personas.
Your best option as an observer is to recognize the first impression you get from an alias, and compare that impression to actual behaviors. A poker alias can convey confidence, humor, mystery, and/or membership in some type of group. Regardless of how an alias communicates, it is guaranteed to communicate a choice about how you present yourself. The choices you make after you receive your hand are always going to be more indicative of who the person behind the alias really is.
