Online poker has been around for quite some time, and it is one of the world’s most popular card games. It’s legal in many countries, including the United States. However, it is regulated differently than brick and mortar poker.
In the US, it is regulated at the state level, so licensed operators only serve players within their respective states. In addition, the US has a few interstate compacts that enable licensed operators to share player pools across multiple states.
The most commonly played form of poker online is No Limit Texas Hold’em (NLHE), the game of choice for high-prestige tournaments around the globe. But there are also other popular options available, such as Omaha and 7 Card Stud.
There are a number of ways to choose an online poker site, but the most important factor is to make sure it has a good reputation and is trustworthy. Look for a site that offers a secure and fast download process, as well as an easy-to-use interface. Some sites offer mobile apps that allow you to play on the go.
Sign Up for an Account
Once you’ve found a good site, it’s time to register. You’ll need to create a username, password and email address to access your account. Some sites also require you to confirm your identity, so be sure to use the correct information.
Get Started with a Rakeback Program
Most online poker sites offer rakeback programs that give you a percentage of your rake back when you play regularly at their tables. This can be a great way to earn extra cash.
Bonuses and Promotions
All poker sites will offer some sort of welcome bonus to new players. This can include free cash or a deposit match. This can be used to play in real-money games or to buy into tournaments. Some of the better sites will even give you a bonus after your first few deposits.
Tells at the Table
Reading tells is an important part of any poker strategy. Live skilled players will often notice patterns in how their opponents play certain hands, such as their bet sizes or their reactions to a raised pre-flop raise.
While tells are not as accurate in online games, they can still be helpful for determining whether your opponent has a good hand or not. The only problem is that it’s hard to know if you’re reading correctly. You might be relying too much on the tells and not enough on your own thinking and experience.
It’s a good idea to have a HUD like PokerTracker 4 or Hold’em Manager 3 overlay your online poker table to give you more information about your opponents. This will help you make the right calls at the tables, especially when playing against people with different skill levels.