If you’re new to poker, playing it online is a great way to get a feel for the game. It’s also an excellent option for people who travel frequently and want to stay connected to the game. However, you should be aware that you’ll probably be playing against strangers and won’t be able to look them in the face. This can be a bit challenging for some players, especially when trying to tell if someone is bluffing.

Before you can start playing poker online, you’ll need to sign up for a user account. You’ll usually do this by downloading the poker software or using an instant play option on the site. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll need to provide your bank information to fund your account. From there, you can begin playing for real money. Playing for real money is much different than playing for play money, and requires more skill since the stakes are higher.

When you’re ready to make a deposit, most sites offer various bonuses to entice players to join them. These can range from a small percentage of your initial deposit up to 100 percent of the amount you’re putting down. They’re generally tied to a certain number of raked hands that you need to play before you can cash out the bonus.

There are many different games that can be played on an online poker site, but the most popular is no-limit Texas Hold’em. This game uses two cards from the player and five community cards to create a hand. It’s simple to learn but very difficult to master making it one of the most challenging card games available.

Regardless of the type of game you play, it’s important to always keep your mind on the long-term. You’ll likely have many losing days when you’re just starting out, but if you focus on learning from your mistakes and continue to work on your skills, you’ll be able to improve and make some serious money over the long haul.

Another important tip for beginners is to always remember to fold bad hands. You’ll be dealt a lot of hands in online poker and, especially in fast-fold games like turbo Sit n Gos and online cash games, it can be tempting to play a lot of junk. However, it’s best to stick to a solid ABC game and only raise with high pairs, suited connectors or better. Otherwise, you’ll likely get sucked out by a weak player who doesn’t know how to fold.