The world of online poker has come a long way from its early days. Before the Internet age, poker was played primarily in smoky bars and casinos. Nowadays, it’s available on smartphones and laptops, as well as desktop computers. And, with the advent of cryptocurrencies, players can use their own digital currency instead of going through a central financial institution. This makes poker fun and exciting for both casual and seasoned players alike.

The first thing to remember when playing online poker is that it can be a little intimidating. You need to be careful about the site you choose and the currency you use. Not all poker platforms are created equal. However, with some practice, you should be able to get the hang of it.

In addition, you should look for the best bonuses available. Many sites offer free money, as well as other perks for new players. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to make sure you aren’t cheated out of your deposit.

If you are new to the world of poker, you can start by playing in a “beginner’s table.” These are usually offered at most online poker sites and provide a perfect opportunity to test your skills against less experienced opponents. Some sites have larger pools than others, which means more opportunities to win against softer players.

For the real poker pros, you should seek out high-stakes games. It’s also good to look for a site with a reputable reputation. While you’re at it, try multi-tabling to double your profit.

There are plenty of other things to learn about the game, such as how to play with a stack of chips, the importance of bluffing, and the best ways to improve your game. But, if you’re just starting out, the most important part is that you learn the basic rules and get some practice in.

The best way to determine the best site for you is to check out what’s available in your home country. Most US sites allow you to make deposits using bank transfers, e-checks, and third-party eWallets. Also, look for a site with a mobile app. A mobile app can be a lifesaver for players on the go.

You should also learn about the poker industry’s newest innovation: satellite entries into live tournaments. During the 2008 World Series of Poker, Chris Moneymaker won the Main Event through an online satellite. Now, he’s sharing his WSOP/888 US players with all three legal online poker states.

Fortunately, there are many poker sites that accept US players. Although most of them don’t support PayPal, you can use a third-party eWallet to fund your account.

For the most part, it’s a good idea to look for a site that has a large number of games. They’ll give you the best chance of winning a large prize. Additionally, it’s often the case that larger poker sites have more esoteric variants of the same game, so you’ll have more to choose from.