Poker online is a card game that is played on a digital platform. Players can play at a variety of stakes, with different bonuses and promotions available. To get started, sign up with a poker site and select a username and password. Some sites may require that you submit identification documents before letting you deposit money. This process is common and should not be a big deal.

Once you are ready to play, choose a game that suits your skill level and bankroll. Start with low stakes and increase your wager as you gain confidence. Practice basic game strategy, study the game theory behind poker and use online resources like Upswing Poker and Chip Leader Coaching to improve your skills. Remember that poker is a game of chance, but a game of skill over the long term.

The first thing that you will notice when playing poker online is how much faster the hands come around. There is no waiting for your turn as in a live game, no time for players to take a bathroom break and no idle chatter or raucous laughter to distract the table from the hand. With hands coming three times as fast, it is easy to get frustrated and make bad decisions.

One of the most important aspects of good poker is knowing how to read your opponents. This is difficult to do when players are not physically present, but there are many tells to look out for in an online poker game. Observing the way your opponents move their chips, their body language and how they react to other players can provide valuable information.