Some players think that posing as something they are not can give them an edge over some players around the poker tables. I’ve come across many players with a picture of an attractive woman as their avatar, only to have him (!) turn out to be a grinder in disguise.

This can certainly create an edge against a player that will be more interested in the picture than the game. It could also work against the player who figures that all women play a certain way, and cause their ignorance to backfire on them.

The players who pose as women, for example, will usually be willing to take the charade to the next level, and will begin to flirt with any interested party. This is designed to throw them off their game, so pay attention to what they’re doing and saying.

I’m always wary of a pretty girl in a picture. After a few hands you should know if you’re playing a good player or not, as long as you’re not distracted by the red herring.