Brian Townsend Admits to Multi-Accounting

Brian Townsend, a CardRunners.com instructor and one of the most popular young internet poker pros around, admitted last week to playing under multiple accounts at both Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars.  At PokerStars, he played under his most well known screen name, “aba20,” as well as “makersmark66.”  At Full Tilt, he played under his own name, “Brian Townsend,” as well as “Stellarnebula.” 

Townsend said that on PokerStars, he had been playing under his “makersmark66” account for the past six months, and during that time, he did not play as “aba20” at all.  From February through June, he played with both of his accounts at Full Tilt, although never at the same time.  He says he will play exclusively with his most recognized accounts, “Brian Townsend” and “aba20” from here on out. 

Rumors had been swirling about Townsend’s possible transgressions since June 30, when a member of the Two Plus Two message forum pasted a chat transcript between high stakes players “SamH133” and “durrrr” at a Full Tilt table in which “SamH133” speculates that “Stellarnebula” may, in fact, be Townsend in disguise.  Of course, opinions online were mixed, but as we have now seen, the rumor proved to be true. 

Townsend’s reasoning for the alternate accounts is actually understandable.  Because he is so well known online, and had not been running very well at the nosebleed stakes, he wanted the opportunity to play anonymously at lower stakes tables (and when we say lower stakes, we’re still talking $25/$50, $50/$100, and $100/$200 pot-limit Omaha).  By not allowing opponents to know who he was, he not only had the upper hand since they didn't know how he played, but he also saved a hit to his ego. 

Of course, while most people can understand why he did it, that doesn’t make it right.  The terms and conditions of virtually every online poker room, including Full Tilt and PokerStars, prohibit players from having more than one account.  Brian Townsend clearly violated the rules.  On top of that, what he did was dishonest and cheated other players out of a fair game, as they would have known who they were competing against had he used his usual account.  This may not be as bad as using multiple accounts at a single table or in the same tournament, but it is still not good at all. 

Townsend has owned up to his actions, acknowledging that what he did was wrong.  In his blog, he said, “I made a mistake and I am willing to take responsibility for it.   I am willing to stand up and face the music.   I apologize to entire the online community.  I will never partake in this type of activity in the future.  This post should act as a full admission of my guilt, and I sincerely apologize to anyone that I've wronged.” 

Full Tilt Poker has revoked Townsend’s status as a “red” pro for six months, and, presumably, any perks and financial rewards that go along with it.  PokerStars has yet to make a ruling.  Townsend has decided to donate $25,000 to charity to begin to make up for his actions.