One reason for the incredibly number of poker nicknames may be the extremely individual nature of the game as opposed to team activities.

Texas Dolly on the left with the Mad Genius next to Kid Poker. Reasons for poker nicknames Quite a few poker player nicknames in this great illustration from the back cover of Super System 2. I’m sure you’ve heard many of these nicknames in your poker career, but I bet you’ll pick up a few more after taking a look at my chart. Sure, other sports might have the occasional “Rocket” or “Golden Bear”, but why does poker reign king of the aliases? Poker is unique in that it is tough to name any other sport or game that features so many nicknames for its stars. Other times, poker name aliases are simply unavoidable based on a transparent personality trait (e.g. The WSOP was young and professional respectability was just a pipe dream.Įven – and perhaps especially – in the poker world of today, earning a nickname is a sign of status and respect amongst peers. “Texas Dolly”, “Amarillo Slim”, and “Treetop” are just a few of the best poker player nicknames that date back to the good old days of poker.

Is there a more apt poker nickname in the game? She couldn’t have made her dad more proud. By Josh H | Last Updated: NovemMy then-2-year-old daughter accidentally broke the head off of my Phil “The Poker Brat” Hellmuth figure.