How does a person come up with their online nickname? What is the meaning behind their online ID? Is it a reflection of who they really are? There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing and creating a nickname for online gameplay. The following are just a few examples of online player IDs and their meanings (these are actual nicknames from PSN and XBL):

XMurkerX207X

Perhaps the scariest of all gamer tags are the ones where they threaten you with murder or give you the impression they are going to stab you in the neck with a rusty screwdriver. Let’s break it down section by section.

The “x” obviously means they are serious and are not to be messed with. Nobody uses the 24^th letter in the alphabet with the intention of wanting to have a long discussion about the political unrest of the Palestinian state of Israel and the potential implications of having a Jewish state. When there is an “x”in the name, it is a warning to all opponents that they mean business.

The next part is the word “murker.” This may not even be a real word (it is btw), but don’t tell this gamer either way. The word “murker” most likely comes from the word “murk” which means to defeat someone to the point that they should never show their face again (urbandictionary.com).

Finally, we are left to deal with the numbers “207.” In most cases, three numbers usually represent a hometown of the player (Reggie Bush receives a 4 cent royalty fee for using these numbers ever since he made it cool when he put them on his eye-black patches). Where is area code 207 you might ask? None other than the OG (original gangsta) state of Maine. That’s right! Mother f’ing Maine, yo!

Bottom line is do not, I repeat, DO NOT, take this gamer lightly. When someone from Maine wants to defeat you to the point of utter embarrassment while carrying the weight of every “murker” in the state, topped off with the third to last letter of the alphabet incorporated into their name, you better be on your “A” game. One last piece of advice: you better start sleeping with a nightlight and blunt object hidden under your pillow if you defeat this player.

JuGGaL0 420

Upon first glance, there isn’t much to this simple nickname. There are a few cute letters strung together followed by a three-digit number (see above example for possible meaning of three digit number). Upon further examination however, it is clearly a complex nickname.

Take the first half-the word “Juggalo.” For those who live in a cave, this refers to a follower of the inspirational musical lyrics produced by the group ICP (Insane Clown Posse). Most likely, this player lives with a close family member in the back end of a mobile housing unit. Just because this player barely qualified to attend their high school graduation does not mean they are a complete idiot. Ordinary idiots cannot talk their mom into putting a cartoon character of a man running with a hatchet on the back window of their 1987 Buick Skylark in the form of a sticker. These types of people are advanced idiots.

The next half of the epithet is the number “420.” The uneducated may view this as the area code for the tropical paradise of Hawaii, but there is a 94% chance this gamer meant it to represent that he smokes….drum roll, please-marijuana. Marijuana is the drug of choice for these players and because he has the number four-two-zero in his online nickname, he most likely smokes it whenever possible. This player may have a short-lived video game career. Eventually, they will need to pawn off their gaming system to purchase a weekend of enjoyment accompanied by hits from a methamphetamine pipe or stamps of acid.

Final note: the “o” in the nickname is actually a zero, meaning this gamer is not alone and the ever-original nickname is in use by someone else. God help us all.

GoDZ-PuRPoz

God works in mysterious ways. This player obviously had a vision of the almighty creator, and it told him to serve his holiness through the world of video games. It is not essential to spell things properly, let alone your online player ID, when serving a greater power. Saving souls and putting the letter “z” to use whenever remotely possible is the agenda of this player. If the letter “s” and the correct spelling would have been used, it would have lost all meaning and this gamer would be doomed to a life of correct grammar and be just another ordinary electronic thespian.

Just having the word of a supreme being in your nickname will give you a distinct advantage over your opponent. Let’s just hope this player does not rest their controller on top of the book known as the Bible while they are attending church. A controller soaking up all that knowledge via osmosis would render the player unstoppable and their thumbs a tool of supreme deity in the gaming world.

Many people in life need to embrace the grace of divinity. That is this gamer’s purpose. Obviously.

Written by Madden-School.com member: Dirty-Mullet.  Please feel free to leave your comments below or share this article with your friends.

© 2011, Madden 12 Tips | Madden 2012. All rights reserved.

1. Better Team Ratings Doesn’t Equal Better Madden Team

This is a popular misconception with newer madden gamers.  While teams like the Colts, Packers, Patriots, and Falcons are great teams in real life NFL, they aren’t necessarily the best madden teams.  A key example of this has been the popularity of the Oakland Raiders among professional madden players.  The raiders haven’t been any good since 2002, yet for the past 4 years they have been the team of choice for the madden gamers making the real money.

2. Money Plays Don’t Win Games, Schemes Win Games

As someone who has seen 20,000 new members register on our madden forums, this is something that I consider to be the most hurtful tenancy to developing successful madden players.  Everyone is looking for the 1 “money play” that they can go to when they really need a first down.  Money plays are great to have and every madden player worth his salt has some.  What differentiates the pros from the joes is the use of those plays.  Beginning and average madden gamers sometimes call the same money play 10-20 times a game.  These plays may work consistently versus average competition, but once you play a veteran madden player, you won’t be able to run the same money play over and over again so it is important to develop a scheme.

3. Clock Management

One of the most overlooked Madden tips, that is useful for any madden game whether it is madden 98 or Madden 12, is clock management.  If you score at the end of both halves, you will win 90% of the games you play.  By scoring at the end of halves, you give yourself 2 extra possessions that your opponent doesn’t get.  While it is good to score as fast as you can, it is better to be able to score at the exact second that you want to.

4. Madden Guides

Madden guides are a growing phenomenon and can be found all over the web.  There are 2 problems that you will run into when purchasing a madden guide (also known as madden ebooks). 

The first is buying a cheap, poorly made guide.  When looking to improve your game, you might buy the cheapest product from some below average madden gamer looking to make a quick buck.  Before you buy a madden 12 guide, make sure it has a few qualities.  Make sure it comes with high quality videos, the website that is selling it has been around for at least 3 years, and there are active users on the website that is selling the guide.

The second big problem is buying a madden guide and then going right into a game with it.  While buying a madden guide will dramatically improve your madden ability, it is not an instant winning formula.  Go into practice mode and spend 30 minutes to an hour going over every play and incorporate the schemes into your offense.

© 2011, Madden 12 Tips | Madden 2012. All rights reserved.

The Carolina Panthers always seem to be one of the most overachieving football teams in the NFL each season. You can kind of look at them the same way in Madden. Though not at the top of the food chain, a very tough team none the less.

Quarterback is definately not the Carolina Panther trademark. Jake Delhomme is a manageable quarterback but far from greatness. Matt Moore came onto the Madden radar after a decent campaign in the 09 season. I would go with Moore at the top of the depth chart. Carolina is a perfect place for a less than perfect quarterback. They have an elite offensive line and some of the best weapons in the game. Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are those weapons. A nice mix of running the ball along with getting Smith the ball should get you on the scoreboard. What the Panthers playbook lacks in pass plays, makes up with an abundance running plays. Look to be a little more on the run heavy side if you go with their playbook.

If speed is your thing, then look no farther than the Panthers defense. All hail the amazing Julius Peppers. There isn’t much this guy can’t do. We all know how disruptive he is in getting into the backfield. He can suprisingly be used in pass coverage. As a good change of pace, try sending him out in the flats or in a hook zone. Both Jon Beason and Thomas Davis are absolute beasts. Both 85+ at speed and 94+ hit power. Big plays on defense come easy with this linebacking corp. In the secondary you have even more speed. Try mixing in man blitzing along with zone blitzing to assure yourself a big play.

Offensive Hot Play
Singleback Bunch
HB Slash

This play is a must. Slide protect to the opposite side you’re running to. Follow your blocks into the secondary for an easy six. Thats it, feel free to use motion to confuse the defense. Great play for 2nd and long.

Defensive Hot Play
46 Normal
SS Blitz

Instant pressure. Move your FS into the box. Reblitz both DT’s and your blitzing LB. Put Julius Peppers in a zone of your choice (optional, can make a easy pick with a rushed throw from the QB) User the blitzing SS off the edge. I like running this anytime Im thinking pass and their not in Shotgun.

For more madden tips check out our madden forum.

© 2010 – 2011, Madden 12 Tips | Madden 2012. All rights reserved.

One of the least likely teams you will play against in Madden 10. It could be the fact that the Bills offensive line has an average rating of 74 overall. Or it could be that it’s just too hard to choose between elite quarterbacks like Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm. I hope you picked up on the sarcasm. With that being said, you can still win with the Buffalo Bills.

Don’t expect to throw bombs to T.O. as if it were Madden 09. Think of Owens as more of a possesion receiver these days. You still have speed at the wide out position with Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish. You’ll have to really execute the short passing game due to the lack of deep throwing accuracy the Bills quarterbacks posess. Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson are pretty much mirror images of each other. Feel free to substitute both running backs into the lineup throughout the game.

They are actually a definsively sound football team. Their secondary is loaded with talent. Terrance McGee and Leodis McKelvin have the speed to keep up with any player in the game. Free safety Jairus Byrd finished second to Brian Cushing for Rookie of the Year. Make sure to get Donte Whitner on the field by moving him to strong safety. One other key substition you might want to look at is moving George Wilson to outside linebacker to add some speed on the edge. I never said it would be easy, but with some execution on both sides of the ball you can pick up a “W” with the Buffalo Bills.

Offensive Hot Play
Strong H Pro
Fl Drive

Come out in a dual halfback package. Hot Route the TE to an out route. The first read is the quick throw to the FB in the flats. The TE will be in a perfect position to block upfield. If the flats are coverd just wait for the WR to cross over the middle for an easy first down. Great play on any down needing 5-10 yards.

Defensive Hot Play
Dime Normal
SS Zone Blitz

Swap to the LB pass rush package. Shift d-line right. Put both the blitzing corner and the SS in buzz zones (purple). User the DE who is in the hook zone (yellow). This is my bread and butter play to shut down 3rd and long. You will still get pressure with just 3 down lineman rushing and have everything but the immediate flats covered.

Written by layinWOOD

© 2010, Madden 12 Tips | Madden 2012. All rights reserved.

Baltimore has been known for its defense over the last decade. Winning a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer as your starting quarterback says a whole lot. Over the years they have really built thier team through great draft picks. They are known for more than just defense these days.

Joe Flacco has more than met his expectations at the quarterback position. University of Delaware? He makes all the throws and has incredible arm strength. They have one of the best 1-2 punches in Ray Rice and Willis McGahee at running back. Le’Ron McClain is the TKO that can also be used in the running game. At 36 years old, Derrick Mason is still doing his thing. He is overlooked as a top notch receiver but he is easily one of the best at creating space. The Baltimore playbook is absolutely loaded. It is built for the power running game but also has some unique formations out of shotgun like Raven Trips. This is another team that you should use the run game to set up the pass.

If you have ever played against the Ravens you know what they bring to the table on defense. They have two of the biggest defensive playmakers in the game. Ray Lewis has that always useful 99 awareness rating that makes running or passing the ball very difficult. Ed Reed literally cuts the field in half and can be counted for six points everytime he gets his hands on the ball. I like moving Haloti Ngata to DT and putting Terrell Suggs at DE. Lardarius Webb was a great draft pick and is a nice 2nd or 3rd string CB. Rex Ryan or not, Baltimore still has a nice defensive playbook with great formations like 46 and Nickel Odd Split.

Offensive Hot Play
I-Form Pro Twins
Wheel Out

Hot route the TE to a drag route. I usually max protect by blocking my FB to the right and the RB to the left (optional). Your first read is your inside reciever on the fade. If for some reason thats not wide open look to the outside reciever crossing the deep middle. You also have your TE if all else fails. This play is automatic. Try this after you mix in a few run plays.

Defensive Hot Play
Nicel Odd Split
Cover 2 (Nano/Zone Blitz)

Spread your D line out. Re-blitz both DT’s. Move both LB’s to the inside of the DT’s and re-blitz. User control Ed Reed. You get instant pressure and have the flats covered.

Written by Madden-School Staff Writer layinWOOD

© 2010, Madden 12 Tips | Madden 2012. All rights reserved.

The Falcons have an immaculate offense in Madden 10. You can play smashmouth offense with Michael Turner . He is easily the best back to truck with, with maybe the exception of Adrian Peterson and Brandon Jacobs. Their offensive line is solid across the board and Ovie Mughelli is an excellent lead blocker. Matt Ryan has an elite reciever in Roddy White and some guy named Tony Gonzalez that is an all around baller.

The best way to play with this team on offense is running the rock and mixing in play-action. Make sure you get Jerious Norwood some carries too, we all know speed kills in Madden 10. Their playbook is full of great run plays and play-action. You can choose from Singleback, I-Form, Full House (a must with this backfield), Strong, Weak and Dirty Bird Formations. They even have great running plays out of Shotgun.

The defensive side of the ball is why you don’t see many people running with the Falcons online. Though not great, still workable. Curtis Loftons rating soared upward with every roster update. John Abraham can cause havoc off the edge but has little help on the defensive line. They do have mediocre safeties who can make plays. Corner back is the big issue with the Falcons. You really have to move around their depth chart which is loaded with less than great talent at the corner position. They have some speed but are mostly horrible in coverage. I would still put the Falcons as a top tier team, even though their defense is lacking.

Offensive Hot Play
Singleback Y-Trips
HB Toss Strong

You can’t go wrong with this play. I always flip the play so I can run to the left side of the field. Pinch your offensive line in. Motion your slot reciever and as soon as he starts moving hike the ball.(this really helps to set the edge) It’s a great play to run on 2nd and long.

Defensive Hot Play
4-3 Normal
FS Zone Blitz

This is one of my favorite zone blitzes. Reblitz your RE and ROLB. User your FS. If its a run, make the tackle with your FS. If its a pass, roam the field for a easy pick due to the pressure you get from the reblitz. I like to run this on 1st/2nd down.

Written by Madden-School Staff Writer layinWOOD

© 2010, Madden 12 Tips | Madden 2012. All rights reserved.

Anyone who likes passing the ball should play with this team while you can. With the departure of Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin, we might not be seeing too many people playing with the Cardinals in Madden 11. I will run you through team strengths and weaknesses along with a hot play out of both the Arizona offensive and defensive playbooks.

Arizona Cardinals Receiver Anquan Boldin shaking off a San Francisco 49er defender for a first down

Their biggest strength that stands out is at the wide reciever position. You’ve got Larry Fitgerald lined up opposite end of Anquan Boldin and a great slot receiver in Steve Breaston. With Kurt Warner’s accuracy and two bruisers at running back, this offense is lethal. Let’s not forget about their defense which is not too shabby itself. They have huge playmakers like Adrian Wilson, DRC, Karlos Dansby and Darnell Dockett.

Though very accurate, Kurt Warner isnt very mobile and is known for coughing up the ball. Hence, one of the easiest achievements in the game is making him fumble. It doesn’t help that their offensive line is far from great. Depth is obviously lacking at most defensive positions other than safety. They are also very slow at linebacker with the exception of Dansby.

Offensive Hot Play
Guns Double Wk
Corner Strike

Motion your WR2(Boldin) to the opposite side of the field. I advise you to leave an extra blocker, either the TE or RB to hold off the blitz. Look for Fitzgerald or Boldin to be wide open. This play will work well against man or zone coverage and is great for 3rd and long.

Defensive Hot Play
Quarter
CB Dogs Zone

Press your defense. Put both corners in buzz zones(purple). I would user control someone in the middle of the field. Either a safety or linebacker. This play is great when someone is trying out the deep ball on you. Just watch for the QB scramble.

32 Teams in 32 Days Series Written by Madden-School Staff Writer layinWOOD

© 2010, Madden 12 Tips | Madden 2012. All rights reserved.

The Carolina Panthers have long been an under-used madden team.   With offensive tools like Jonathan Stewart, Deangelo Williams, Steve Smith and a good offensive line, the defense is always guessing.   Do madden gamers choose to use other teams because of a sub par defense?

On the other side of the ball they have a great front 7 lead by superstars like Julius Peppers and John Beason. The secondary is a little thin but when you can control the game with 2 great running backs, an offensive line, and one of the best wide receivers in the game, you shouldn’t need to have an amazing defense. 

With all that talent, I decided to give them a try in practice mode.  I was casually labbing a few plays with the Carolina Panthers and a new playbook when I realized how good of a running team the Panthers are in Madden 10.  I had not used Deangelo Williams all year, instead I had always used the Jacksonville Jaguars with Maurice Jones-Drew.  Below is a youtube video of the first running play I labbed.  

Deangelo Williams shows why he is one of the best running backs in the league:

© 2010, Madden 12 Tips | Madden 2012. All rights reserved.

According to creative director, Ian Cummings, 350,000 people played 1 game of madden 10 online and quit.  They simply played once and decided to never play another game of madden online.

It is obvious that there was a significant problem in online gameplay.  At Kotaku, where this story was first posted, hundreds of users responded, many of whom admitted that they were one of the 350,000 gamers who quit after just one game. The reasons listed included the accelerated clock, disconnect glitches, and long drawn out games.    Whatever it was that turned these games off, EA Sports is trying to change that with Madden 11.

This is very concerning news.  Online gameplay is the future of all video games.  The days of people playing franchise mode or superstar mode against the computer are coming to an end.  Gamers want to compete with real people with real thoughts and real strategies.  They do not want to play against a pre-programmed computer that runs on first down, runs again on second down, passes on third down, and punts on forth down.  Or in franchise mode where you can fool the computer into trading you Andre Johnson for Troy Williamson.   If this problem increase in Madden 11, the majority of games may not buy another madden game for years to come.

© 2010, Madden 12 Tips | Madden 2012. All rights reserved.

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