Online poker has gained immense popularity since it’s introduction in the mid-2000’s. The reason is simple; it is safe, convenient and fun! However, there are a few things you should be aware of before you play for real money. First, there is always the possibility that you can lose some of your hard-earned cash. Therefore, it is important to play only with money that you can afford to lose. Second, playing poker requires a lot of dedication and practice to hone your skills. Consequently, you should be conscious of how much time and money you’re spending on this endeavor and make sure that it is not becoming an addiction.

While playing online poker, you’ll want to choose a site that has a wide variety of games and offers generous bonuses. You’ll also want to check the site’s licensing status to ensure that it is legitimate and regulated by a trusted body. It is not uncommon for poker sites to request additional documentation from players, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, to verify their identity. This is an essential step to prevent money laundering and protect the interests of players.

The first thing you need to do to get started is open an account with a reputable poker website. Once you’ve done that, deposit some money to start playing! You can use either physical or digital chips to place your bets. The dealer deals each player two cards for their eyes only (revealing them would undermine the game’s fairness). In in-person poker, this is usually a casino employee, but in online poker it’s the computer that does the dealing.

When you play poker online, you’ll be able to see more hands per hour than in live games. This can be a good thing, but it can also cause you to become frustrated if you don’t get any big hands for a while. This can lead to bad decisions, so it’s important to be able to recognize and deal with short term bad luck.

As you begin to play poker online, you’ll learn more about the rules of the game and develop your strategic skills. You’ll also need to commit to smart game selection, choosing the right limits and tables for your bankroll. In addition, you’ll need to be able to read your opponents and their tells. Physical tells, like nail-biting and frequent glances at the screen, can be difficult to detect in an online environment, so it’s essential to focus on observing your opponents’ betting patterns.

In order to maximize your earnings, you’ll also want to take advantage of poker bonus codes and loyalty programs. These are offered by most major poker websites, and they can give you extra chips or tournament tickets when you deposit. They’re especially helpful for new players, who can use them to jump into higher stakes. Most of these programs are easy to join, and they reward loyal players with additional cash or prizes based on their play.