Online poker takes the notion of playing poker from a casino or home game and cranks it up to a whole new level. Players can play for free or for the smallest stakes possible (literally pennies) and can win satellite entries to amazing live tournaments all over the world. And you can do it from any computer, tablet or mobile device.

First, make sure you choose a trusted online poker site. Reputable sites will be licensed and regulated by an independent gaming commission and regularly inspected by third-party security companies. They will also have secure transfer protocols to protect your personal information. You should also read reviews to find out what experiences other users have had with the poker site you are considering.

Once you’ve found a site, sign up for an account and download the software (if necessary). Once you’re ready to start playing, create your screen name and password and get started! Remember that you can only have one account at a time so don’t be tempted to create multiple accounts. This is a big no-no and could lead to your account being banned permanently.

New players to online poker may find the number of hands they are dealt per hour overwhelming at first. It’s important to limit yourself to just one table initially to help avoid sensory overload. You can always increase the number of tables you’re playing at later on.

Another important tip is to understand how different types of players affect your online poker strategy. For example, tight players often play fewer hands early on and are more likely to fold pre-flop. On the other hand, aggressive players tend to call more hands in late position and are likely to bluff.

You can adjust your online poker strategy against these types of opponents by adjusting the ranges of the hands you play and understanding how your odds change on the flop. Another crucial online poker tip is to play only those hands that have a chance of becoming a winning hand by the river. This includes pocket pairs and suited connectors.

Finally, it’s important to work on your online poker skills consistently. Top pros spend almost as much time studying their game as they do playing it. By signing up for training sites, networking with successful players and brutally analyzing your own play after every session you can improve your decision-making and online poker skills. Eventually you’ll become a consistent winner at the online poker tables!