Exactly how much will I know about my opponents, and how will I know it?

Beyond what you observe of their play, you'll know only their made-up screen names or "handles," and - above or below each handle - the city, state, or country the player declared as his place of residence when he signed up to use the site. However, very little policing seems to go on regarding verification of this information, since such obvious phonies as "Planet Earth," "Skid Row," "Doghouse," and "Beyond the Rainbow," have been spotted even in cash games online.

Opponents' handles are customarily accompanied by colorful visuals such as computer composite figures or avatars, photos, or cartoon caricatures submitted by players or created through software at the site. These "stand in" at cyberspace tables for the live people they represent.

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