Online poker is a huge business that allows players to wager against one another at the click of a button. Players can play for free, for the smallest stakes imaginable or even for satellite entries into live tournaments around the world. The games can be played from a desktop computer, smartphone or tablet. Players can choose from a wide variety of payment methods and enjoy perks such as rakebacks which can make the difference between breakeven and profitability.

While there are a lot of different poker variants the most popular game is no-limit Texas hold’em. This game has been described as the ‘Cadillac of poker’ by Doyle Brunson and is available in thousands of different games online at all stake levels.

To get started with playing poker online you need to find a site that is licensed and regulated. Look for a site that offers multiple payment options including credit cards, debit cards, e-checks and third party eWallets. A good site will also allow you to play for free before depositing real money and offer a variety of bonuses such as referral programs and reload bonuses.

Once you have chosen a site to play at you will need to create an account. You will be asked for personal information such as your name, address and date of birth. It is important to choose a site that has a secure server so your information is protected. Some sites may even require you to submit documents such as a utility bill in your name at the address on file. This is perfectly normal and a standard part of the signup process.

When you are ready to begin playing for real money you need to decide how much you are comfortable betting and raising. It is best to start with a small amount and work your way up. This will help you avoid chasing your losses and prevent you from getting too deep in the hole. You should also remember to stick to your bankroll game-plan and never let yourself go too low.

Depending on the type of player at your table you will want to adjust your starting hand range. If you are playing against tight players then it is a good idea to expand your starting hands to take advantage of their weakness. Alternatively, you can play a looser game and focus more on bluffing.

If you are new to the game then it is a good idea to use an online which hand wins calculator to clarify any confusion you might have about how a hand plays. These tools will display your cards, your opponent’s and the community cards to show you exactly what hands are possible and which ones have the highest probability of winning.

Another important thing to remember is that the game of poker can be very unpredictable. You will have a lot of ups and downs but you should always aim to improve your skills and be the best player that you can be.