When it comes to online poker, there are many different sites to choose from. Some offer free poker, while others charge for it. The best sites are ones that are trusted and well-established. In addition, you should make sure that you are able to play the game you choose legally.

One of the most popular poker games online is Texas Hold ‘Em. It’s easy to learn, and you can play for a variety of stakes. Depending on the site you choose, you can start at the microstakes or move up to higher limits. However, it’s a good idea to get a feel for the game before jumping into bigger pots.

Online poker can be played on desktop or laptop computers, mobile devices, and even phones. To get started, you will need to download a poker software client. Poker software will enable you to track your session and your winnings, and will keep you updated on all of the latest bonuses and promotions. You may also need to register for an account. Most sites require you to be at least 18 years old.

You will find that most online poker sites offer several different kinds of bonus. These range in size from 20 percent to 100 percent. They typically require that you deposit a certain amount of money, or play a specific amount of hands. For instance, you can expect to receive a $20 bonus for playing a hundred hands of Texas Hold ‘Em.

The best online poker sites will also offer exclusive tournaments, and you can join in on them for free. There are also freerolls, which allow you to win real cash. Freerolls are also available for specific groups or regions. Getting in on these free tournaments is a great way to test out your skills, and is usually a fun way to earn a few bucks while gaining a little poker experience.

As you become a better player, you can move up to higher stakes. This is an important step, as many players get into too big of a pot too early and lose all their money. Ideally, you should aim to play as many hands as you can in the first few weeks after joining.

Aside from the poker-specific stipulations, there are some other rules of the game you should be aware of. For example, some sites will not allow you to play with your credit card. If you are not using a credit card, you can often use a third party e-wallet, such as PayPal. Other US-based sites will allow you to use a bank transfer, or even a cheque in the mail.

A lot of people don’t realize that there is more to playing poker than making a solid hand. You’ll want to keep tabs on your win-rate, and you can get useful information on how often you go to the showdown. Likewise, you should pay attention to the times you see more flops, and you should muck any bad hands that you see.