Despite its lack of official sanction, online poker has grown in popularity over the years. With the introduction of smartphones and tablets, players can now enjoy the game on the go. This is one of the biggest draws for players. However, there are several things to keep in mind before you start playing.

First and foremost, remember that poker is a game of skill. You will be playing against other players, not a computer. You should not expect to win every hand you play, but you should make the most of your time. If you are a beginner, you should start with the simplest games and move on to higher stakes games when you’re more comfortable. Having a plan for each street and understanding how hand rankings work can help you make the most of your time.

While most poker websites require you to sign up for an account, you can usually play for free. A good poker website will let you choose a game that is right for you. When you are ready to play, you will need to download the poker software to your computer. Most sites have software that takes less than two minutes to download.

Once you are ready to play, you will need a place to put your money. Many sites will ask you for a social security number, your date of birth and your address. Some will require you to provide a utility bill to verify your identity. You should also check to see if your selected site is offering any sign-up or reload bonuses. This is a great way to increase your profit per hour of poker play.

It’s not uncommon for online poker players to lose a lot of money in the early days before catching their stride. You should make it a point to play as many hands in the first few weeks as possible. You should also take the time to evaluate each table to find players with weak hands. You should also make a note of the number of flops and the times you went to showdown. These details will help you determine where you are winning and losing.

It’s also a good idea to learn the hand rankings for each position. This is an important skill to learn because it will help you be a more effective poker player. The most effective poker players know the strengths and weaknesses of each hand. Learning the hand rankings will allow you to make better decisions at the table.

The poker site you select may also require you to fill out a form to verify your identity. This is the most common way to check the legitimacy of a player. Also, many online poker sites are upgrading their anti-fraud measures. You should make sure to find out whether your selected site offers the latest anti-fraud technologies. Some sites will even check the IP address of your computer to ensure that you are not playing against multiple players from the same location.