Online poker is a game of cards played over the Internet and it’s been partly responsible for a huge increase in the number of players worldwide. It’s not as difficult to play as you might think and there are now many different sites that offer the game. Some are free to join, while others require you to deposit money to play. In any case, you should carefully check out the terms and conditions of each site before you decide to deposit any money.
Before you can start playing you’ll have to download the poker client from the site of your choice. This shouldn’t be a problem with most modern computers and laptops as the overall demand on memory is fairly minimal. These days there are also poker apps for smart phones and tablets like the iPhone that make it even more convenient to play the game.
When it comes to poker software you’ll want something that can handle multiple tables and is streamlined for speedy use. This is particularly important if you plan on grinding long sessions as the less time spent battling the poker software the more focus you can put on your opponents and their tendencies. A good poker program will allow you to assign hotkeys and automatically take action when it is appropriate. It should also give you detailed stats on your historical opponents as well as provide a customizable HUD.
There are several different poker variants that you can play online but Texas Hold’em is still king and the most popular game on all sites. It’s easy to learn but hard to master which makes it a great starter game for newcomers. The game is also available in a wide range of stake levels making it accessible to almost anyone.
Aside from the games themselves online poker sites are also famous for their promotions. They typically have large welcome bonuses and regular tournaments with massive cash prizes. The best sites will have a dedicated customer service team that can answer questions quickly through email, Facebook and Twitter.
Another big consideration when choosing an online poker site is where the company holds its license. The most reputable sites will have a gaming license from a respected jurisdiction like Curacao or the Isle of Man. This means that the company is subject to strict gaming regulations and can be prosecuted if it breaks the law.
Most real-money online poker sites have a lobby that’s categorized by different games like cash games, tournaments and Sit & Go’s. The lobby should also have filters for new players and beginners. These are useful because they will place you in a table with other people who classify themselves as beginners which will level the playing field. While there are some exceptions to this rule it’s generally a good idea to take advantage of all the beginner tables you can find.