Online poker is becoming more popular because it’s thrilling and full of fun, but also it’s an intellectual game that requires high-level skills. This makes it different from slot machines and other casino games that rely on chance. It’s also convenient and you can play it anytime, even from your mobile device. However, it’s important to remember that you’re playing against strangers and you won’t be able to look anyone in the face while you’re doing it. That’s why it’s crucial to learn how to read other players and pick up tells.
Another thing to remember is that you will probably lose money while you’re learning the game. That’s why it’s essential to track your results and study them carefully. You can do this by using the session stats available at most poker sites. You should pay special attention to your win rate, number of flops seen, and times you went to showdown. These are the key factors in your winnings and losses.
The faster pace of play online can also affect your results by exaggerating variance. You will play a lot more hands if you’re playing online compared to what you would play in a week of live play, and this can make your swings seem bigger than they really are.
If you want to start playing for real money it’s important to choose a reputable poker site. Licensed poker sites have strict regulation by governments and financial bodies to ensure that your funds and personal information are secure. You should always avoid unlicensed, offshore poker sites which don’t offer basic consumer protections or are subject to sudden shutdowns.
Aside from the obvious security benefits, a good poker site will have a large player base and provide you with lots of opportunities to play against other people. In addition, you’ll find tons of strategy content from top poker players in their Elite section. You can filter this content to get the most relevant topics and you’ll learn about everything from range composition to MDF strategies.
Once you’ve found a poker site that fits your needs, you’ll need to download the poker client and create a user account. This will take a few minutes, and it’s important to remember that you must be 18 years old or the minimum legal age for gambling in your jurisdiction. Once you’ve completed this process, you can begin to play for real money. Then, when you’ve become comfortable with the game, you can try your hand at some of the big-name online tournaments. These are the largest competitions in the poker world, and they’re often broadcast on major sports channels. These tournaments are great for getting a feel for the competitiveness of the game and how to prepare for it. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you should never gamble with more than you can afford to lose. Also, you should never bet more than 10% of your total bankroll on any single hand.