Online poker is one of the fastest growing forms of gambling in the world. It’s easy to learn, fun, and can be very profitable if you take the time to improve your game. There are a lot of ways to learn about online poker, from strategy videos with the biggest names in the game to free training tools and websites. The key is to find what works for you and stick with it.

Before you start playing, make sure that the poker site you’re choosing is legal to play in your jurisdiction. Some states have outright bans on online gambling, while others have specific rules about the games that can be played and how much money players can win or lose in a single session. In general, though, the vast majority of poker sites are safe and offer an excellent gaming experience for players from all over the world.

Once you’ve chosen a poker site, sign up for an account by downloading their software. This process usually takes a couple minutes and is virus-free. Then you’ll need to create an account by entering your personal details and creating a screen name. This name will be the moniker you use to identify yourself at the poker tables, and you won’t be able to change it later on. Also, make sure you only have one account at a time; multi-accounting is against the rules and can result in a permanent ban from the poker site.

After you’ve signed up, play a few hands to earn your sign-up bonus. Most poker bonuses are tied to how many hands you play and how long you’re at the table. The best way to maximize your bonus is to play a few tables at once, but don’t be afraid to drop down if you’re not getting a good vibe from the table.

When you’re ready to begin playing real money hands, choose your stakes wisely. If you’re a new player, start by playing on lower-stakes tables to get accustomed to the pace of the games. You’ll also want to work on understanding the rankings of starting hands and how they relate to the flop. This will help you determine whether a bluff may be successful or not.

Poker software is a great tool for improving your game, and it’s often available for free from most poker sites. Some of the more advanced programs have features that let you track your session stats, including your win-rate, number of flops seen, and how many times you’ve gone to showdown. They can also help you find the optimal seat position and set up hotkey shortcuts for common actions.

If you’re new to the game, it’s best to start by playing at tournament tables rather than cash games. Tournaments attract a wider pool of recreational players and can be a more welcoming environment for newbies. They also allow you to practice playing with different stack sizes, which is a key aspect of the game.