Online poker is a great way to get into the game of poker in a safe, regulated environment. It offers players a chance to play real money poker in a variety of formats from cash games to Sit ‘N Go events or tournaments with guaranteed prize pools. The best online poker sites also offer a huge range of promotions and bonuses which can add to your bankroll and help you along the way.
The rules of online poker are the same as those in a live game but there are some differences. Most notably, you are playing against strangers so you cannot read their physical tells like at a casino or local card room. However, it is still possible to size up opponents by monitoring betting patterns and analyzing their tendencies.
When it comes to learning how to play poker online, you should begin at the micro stakes tables. This is where you will find the softest opponents as most are beginners themselves. You can then gradually work your way up to the higher stakes tables as you improve your poker strategy and learn how to exploit your opponents.
While the legal status of regulated online poker is constantly changing, in most US states it is still perfectly legal to gamble at licensed poker websites. This means you can deposit and withdraw funds via a number of secure methods including credit cards, debit cards, pre-paid cards, third party eWallets, wire transfers or even good old-fashioned cheques.