Poker was once played in the backs of smoky bars and casinos but after an accountant from Tennessee won a $40 tournament online people began to take it more seriously. Now, players can play in a variety of games and stakes from the comfort of their own homes. However, before you start stacking chips it’s important to understand a few things.

The first is that the rules of poker are different when playing online. While the game itself is the same, it’s a bit more difficult to read opponents because there are no physical tells and you can’t see their face. This can make the game more difficult for some players who rely on reading their opponents to gauge their bluffing. If you’re a beginner it’s also important to play at peak times to increase the amount of players at the table.

Another difference is that there are different tools that professional players use to improve their chances of winning. These tools include a hand history tracker and a heads-up display. The former helps a player analyze past hands and gain an edge in future ones. The latter gives them information during a hand that they can’t see in the live world, such as an opponent’s betting habits. While these tools are not essential to success, they do give a slight advantage to the most skilled players.

Getting started with poker online is easy. You can register with a recommended cardroom, deposit funds and then choose a game or tournament to enter. Most cardsrooms offer a variety of banking methods including credit and debit cards, pre-paid cards, third-party eWallets and wire transfers. Most also allow you to withdraw your winnings quickly and easily, though there may be a minimum amount required for each withdrawal.

When choosing an online poker site it’s important to find one that’s legal in the United States. Check with your state’s gaming commission to ensure that the website is legitimate and follows regulations set by your jurisdiction. You should also look for sites that feature “fenced-in” markets, which means only players from specific states can play there. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your financial information and keeps the site secure.

Once you’ve found a reputable site that’s licensed in the US, check out their bonus programs and sign up for their frequent player program. This will earn you frequent player points, which can be redeemed for cash and free tournament buy-ins. It’s also a good idea to read the terms and conditions of each site carefully to be sure you understand them before you start playing. You don’t want to run into any surprises down the road. Finally, it’s important to play responsibly and not lose more money than you can afford to. It’s a game of skill, not chance, so don’t jump into higher limits before you’re ready. If you find yourself losing more than you’re winning, consider dropping down a level or two.