If you enjoy playing poker with your friends then online poker is a fantastic way to experience the game for real money, in the comfort of your own home. You can play for as low or high a stake as you like from desktop computers, laptops and even mobile phones and tablets. There are many different games to choose from and there is sure to be a game to suit everyone’s tastes. From freezeout tournaments to rebuy events and bounty hunter games there is a huge variety to keep you occupied.

To begin playing poker online you must first sign up for an account with the site of your choice. This process is usually very simple and takes just a few minutes. You will need to provide some basic personal details and a password to protect your account. You will also be asked to select a screen name and it is important that you pick a suitable moniker as you won’t be allowed to change your username later on. Once you have completed the registration process you will be taken to a game lobby where you can select a table and begin to play.

One of the most difficult things to learn when you’re playing poker online is knowing when to fold. It can be tempting to put in a big raise with a weak hand but this is a fast-fold game and there will likely be another stronger one along in just a few rounds. If you find yourself getting tilted, which is often the case in this type of game, you should try to refocus and play more solid hands.

The software for many poker sites is free to download and most are virus-free. It shouldn’t take long to get up and running and it should run smoothly on most devices. Once you’ve downloaded the software, created a user account and chosen a screen name you can begin to play. Most sites also offer no download versions of their software for those with more limited computer systems but these will lack some of the features and functionality that you’d get from a full-fledged poker client.

Before you deposit any cash, it’s always a good idea to check whether the poker site you are considering is legitimate. This can be done by looking at its license information, checking that it is licensed and regulated in your jurisdiction and reading reviews of the site from other players. You should also look for a poker site that promises to weed out bots, collusion and other forms of shady behavior.

The biggest poker sites will have a large player pool and the best ones will offer competitive rakebacks for players that break even. These can make a significant difference for new players. It is also a good idea to read the terms and conditions of any bonus that you are offered because they will often have various requirements to meet before they become available.