by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Dec 3, 2011 | Updated on Dec 3, 2011Microgaming and Bodog seem to be going tit for tat in recent weeks. First, Bodog made a public statement say that every one of their tables will be anonymous. Most recently, Microgaming Poker Network also stated that their tables will be anonymous as well. This kind of strategy is gaining popularity, and for the right reasons. Having mandatory anonymous tables makes the playing field much more level. Anonymous tables prevent intensive skilled player from figuring out which players may be far below their level. Nowadays players have unlimited access to many pieces of information about other players, and if one does enough research, they can gain what some might call an unfair advantage.
Anonymous tables are not a new concept per se, because Microgaming’s sites have had them since 2010. But in the past they were simply optional for players. Even Party Poker has had optional anonymous tables since 2010.
A potential downside to the new anonymous tables are that they help cheaters. This is because the anonymous nature of the tables mean that people who are teaming up may benefit. Also, bot-users may see the anonymous tables as their perfect opportunity as well. I am sure that both Microgaming and Bodog have thought this through and have ways of detecting foul play.
It will be interesting to see how players react to the new changes. There are many varying opinions but I think the general consensus is that anonymous tables will be a good thing. At the end of the day, even if cheaters did get through, the majority of the population will be fair players.
