How to Play Online Poker

Online poker is a form of gambling where players wager against one another using real money. It has been around for years and was once only found in the back of smoky bars or casino card rooms. But in the early 2000’s the Internet and an accountant from Tennessee brought it into the mainstream. Nowadays you can play online poker anywhere and anytime you want. All you need is a computer or mobile device and an internet connection.

To begin playing you will need to sign up for an account with your chosen online poker site. You’ll generally be asked to provide an email address and password to get started. After that you can deposit and withdraw funds depending on your jurisdiction and the poker site’s policies.

After signing up for an account you can navigate to the poker lobby and select a game to join. Most poker sites have a tab for Cash Games, Tournaments and Sit & Go’s as well as whatever other special format games they run. New players should start with the Cash Games tab and look for beginner tables. This will ensure that they are seated with other players who have classified themselves as beginners and level the field for them to learn and improve their skills.

It is also a good idea to invest in some poker training software. This will give you an edge over the majority of other players at your table. There are a few excellent options available such as Poker Tracker and Holdem Manager. These tools allow you to keep detailed hand histories, record your plays and even see live statistics with a HUD.