What Is an Alias in Poker? Meaning and Role in Online Play
In poker, play is divided between live games and online games. In real life, players use their personal names at the table. However, in the online poker world, players often use aliases or screennames to compete.
It’s not surprising that players that win big online become primarily known by their aliases, while players who win big in live games become primarily known by their real life name.
In order for players to be associated with their respective screenname/alias it’s common to interject a player’s alias into their real life name (usually with inverted commas if written). Eg. Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier, or Daniel “KidPoker” Negreanu.
Despite this, some players continue to be known only by their alias. A famous example of this was Viktor “Isildur1” Blom who remained known only as “Isildur1” for quite some time, even after signing with a big poker site
Why Are Aliases Crucial for Poker Success
Using an alias allows players to:
- Maintain anonymity while competing online.
- Create a memorable persona that stands out in the poker community.
- Shield their real identity, especially when they gain significant winnings.
Some players even gain legendary status through their aliases, like "Isildur1," before their true identity is revealed.
How to Choose the Right Alias in Poker
- Use memorable and unique names.
- Avoid revealing personal details.
- Consider something that reflects your personality or poker style.
Example of Alias used in a sentence -> When signing up at a poker room it’s necessary to select a screen name or alias.
