Poker Chat Name - What it Says About You

When you're choosing your poker chat name, choose a handle that lets people know who you are and what you're looking for in a poker buddy.

When you register for an online poker room, one of the first questions you'll be asked is what nickname you'd like to use. Sometimes this is the same as your username, and sometimes it's a different name. What's important is to choose your nickname carefully. Choosing the right nickname will make it easier to make friends, while choosing the wrong one might make you seem boring or even frightening.

Using Your Name as Your Nickname

If your name is Jonathan, you won't be able to use it as your poker chat name. It's just a fact of life. Commonly given names will always be taken unless you get to a site on the day it opens. However, you can make minor adjustments to your name to make a unique nickname. For example, you can use your first and last name to make a nickname like JonathanSmith. If that seems too long, you can go with JonSmith or JSmith. Remember, though, that using your real name gives people access to a certain amount of information about you. If you want to keep your privacy, you should choose a nickname that isn't related to your name.

Using a Character's Name as Your Nickname

If you're a big fan of, say Charlie Brown, you could use a nickname like CharlieBrown, CharlieB, or CBrown, and everyone will know that you're a Charlie Brown fan. Other Peanuts fans are likely to say hi to you and be more willing to talk to you. It's a nice way to let people know a little bit about you without giving any personal information. If you want to use a common character, like say Buffy or House, you will find that it's probably already taken as a nickname. Then you'll have to think of something you can add to personalize your nickname. Don't add your age, as it changes every year. Add some number that you find meaningful or add another name or an interest of yours. While Buffy22 will probably attract some interested men, you might want to look for something a little less obvious.

Using Sports and Interests as Your Nickname

If you're a big tennis fan, let your fellow poker players know it. Go for a nickname like TennisStar or Wimbledon. If you like basketball, put something about it in your nickname. It'll give other players an easy way to start a conversation with you. If you're a cellist, then let your nickname reflect that. If you have a garage band, use your band's name as your nickname. It'll give you free exposure, and when people ask about it, you can tell them all about your band!

What Not to Use for a Nickname

Don't use dirty words, rude suggestions, racial epithets. Be careful that your nickname doesn't accidentally look like a dirty word or something improper. Don't use names that would make a middle-schooler giggle like Ben Dover or Susan Socks. They may be amusing when you start out, but they get quite tiresome very quickly. Stick with something you'll still like in a year.