The term originated from the notion that a “beard” is someone who acts as a cover for another individual, much like how a person might have a fake partner to conceal their activities. In the poker world, a beard may receive instructions from the original player, and while the beard plays, the actual player remains hidden. This practice can raise ethical concerns, as it can lead to unfair advantages in the game and violate the rules of some casinos or poker rooms.
Beard Example
For example, if a poker player named John is in a high-stakes tournament but also wants to play in a cash game, he might ask his friend Mike to act as his beard. Mike would then play with John’s chips, following his instructions, while John watches from a distance, potentially gaining insight or influence in both games.