PokerStars images

Do you block other players' images on PokerStars? Why or why not? On the one hand, images make it easier to remember things about players. However, I don't want to let a picture influence (even slightly) my concept of an opponent. What do you guys think about this?

I'll block an image if I'm in any way disgusted by it. Otherwise, I really don't pay attention to it.

I don't let the images build up the player like some might. Sometimes the picture creates some friendly table talk... I play poker as a social outing at home to talk to people while playing a game I like. Online, it's kinda hard to talk to people without some grounds. Sometimes players have thematically similar pictures as me. For example, I have a picture of Cloud Strike from Final Fantasy 7 Advent Children and the guy next to me has Sephiroth. It was just random banter... like this is

I block the picture if it disgusts me or if it affects my play choices.
I prefer to leave it up if I can stand it. I am a visual lerner, and I can better associate the picture of the player with his style of play, than associate a name/word/gobbledygook with his style of play.

Outphase: I once played with a guy whose name was RedXIII.

Nice. Haven't seen too many FF names around. I saw one guy with Naruto as his image, so that was more table banter. Also, one day i sat next to a person named Outph4se... we didn't notice til about an orbit later

You should always leave the images on. Whether you like it or not, or whether it disgusts you should not be important.

The brain stores information in pictures. Many of your past memories, or basically everything you know is stored in your long term memory in the form of pictures.

Anything that gives you an advantage in poker should be utilized. The simple fact is, by leaving the avatars on, you are giving yourself a chance to better remember a player, and hopefully his style of play.

Sure you can do it without them on, but why not give yourself the absolute best chance of remembering a player you previously played against.

Now if you are associating the avatars too much with the real person, sorry about your luck. Get over it quick. However, sometimes an avatar can give a good inclination into just how bright a player really is. I would like to think I could whip any "Insane Clown Posse" fan when sitting at the poker table.

Originally Posted by Curtis-E

I would like to think I could whip any "Insane Clown Posse" fan when sitting at the poker table.

This is exactly my point. You're making a judgement on him based on his avatar. You have no idea whether he's actually and ICP fan or whether he's a good player trying to mislead you. It's the same with player names. Many good players choose names like "ChrisMoneymaker111" or "PokrPlaya1234" so that other players will be naturally inclined to think that they're idiots. This is the sort of thing blocking images might prevent. I'm not even sure it's good that images help you remember things. If all you vaguely recall is a player dealing you a few bad beats, you are going to play differently against him. Aside from concrete information that Poker Tracker can give you, I'd rather sit down at a table without any preconceived notions of my opponents.

True, but only a true idiot would actually upload such a retarded avatar.
I understand the idea of deception, but if someone is rocken ICP anything, they are straight retarded. I'll take my chances.


One of my names is BritneyBeers. In my profile it appears as if I am a stripper. I cant even count how many times guys have tried to hit on me.

In hindsight though, I wish I never used such a unique name. I prefer the typical Jon343 or Billx32.l


PS. If you read closely, I said an avatar "CAN" help, not that it was set in stone.

Originally Posted by Rockymv

I'd rather sit down at a table without any preconceived notions of my opponents.

Hahaha, I'd rather sit down at a table where I know everyone's tendencies personally. Good thing I am a stat stalker.

If you have clear reads that you've written down someplace, then of course I'd like to have that information. I'm just suggesting that making plays based on foggy associations you've made with an opponents picture is a bad idea.

I turn the other players pictures off. I am aware that this might harm remembering the players tendencies but that is what the notes are for (but I am still too lazy to write 'em).

I just somehow feel that the pictures distract me, seeing nothing but my own picture, the cute penguin you see on the left, helps me to feel that I am in charge of the table.