Online poker is one of the most popular games on the internet. It’s played on a computer, phone or tablet, and can be won for real money. However, before you download a poker app or start playing in an online casino, there are a few things you should know.

The best way to get started is by opening a player account. Many poker sites offer free sign-up bonuses, but you can always shop around for the best deal. Most sites have a quick start option, which allows you to select the game you want to play, the stake you want to play for and the number of people you want to join you. You’ll also need to provide some basic personal details, including your name, address and social security number.

Some sites offer “starter” tables for new players. These tables can be a good introduction to the game, as they’re a level playing field. However, you may want to consider joining a site with a wider range of stakes, since it’s common for beginners to make mistakes when they’re still getting the hang of things.

Online poker has grown in popularity over the years. In the early days, there were only a handful of companies offering the game. Eventually, technology took off and hundreds of thousands of players flocked to the world of online poker. This meant that players could now access the game from anywhere, anytime. Aside from the sheer fun of playing online, it was a lot easier to keep track of results.

Tracking poker results is important. After you’ve completed a session, you should take a close look at your stats. Pay attention to how many times you went to a showdown, as well as how many flops you saw. You should also make a note of the win-rate of your sessions. That will give you a better idea of where you’re winning and where you’re losing.

Another great feature of online poker is that it is free to play. However, you should be aware that you’ll need to deposit some money into your account. Many US poker sites accept bank transfers, e-checks and credit cards. Also, some sites have special features such as satellites into live tournaments.

One of the most interesting aspects of online poker is the bluffing game. Unlike traditional live poker, where you can see the dealer shuffle the deck, you’ll be dealing with random opponents. While it can be easy to bluff your opponent, you’ll need to know when to bluff and how much to bluff. For example, if you are bluffing with a good hand, you might want to bluff with your opponents’ cards, or else you’ll risk losing them.

There are a few other features of the game, too. Poker sites will often provide you with a “Cashier” tab, which walks you through the process of making a deposit. They will also likely verify your identity with your driver’s license, utility bill, or social security number.