Online poker is a game of chance and skill where players place bets against each other. It is accessible from almost any computer and is easy to learn. Its accessibility has been partly responsible for a huge surge in new players. However, it is important to remember that online poker is a serious game and requires dedication and patience. You should also make sure to practice responsible bankroll management and seek out resources for strategy development. By following these tips, you can play safe and enjoy the thrill of winning real money.

To start playing you need to download a poker client program, which is available for free on many sites. This software demands very little memory and should install relatively quickly on even the slowest computers. Once it is installed you will need to create a user account and agree to the terms and conditions of the site. Most poker sites have age verification processes and will require that you are at least 18 years old or the legal age for gambling in your jurisdiction. You will need a valid email address and a password to access your account. It is also advisable to fund your account using a payment method that is both secure and supported by the poker site.

The poker site makes its money by taking a percentage of each pot, which is known as the rake. Some poker sites return some of this rake to their players, which is called rakeback. This is a valuable incentive to sign up for a poker site and can be a good way to boost your starting balance.

When choosing a poker site you need to consider the amount of traffic it gets, as well as its software and customer support. High levels of traffic ensure that there are active games for you to play in, increase the chances of finding soft players and act as a tacit endorsement of the poker site’s trustworthiness.

Another consideration when choosing a poker site is whether or not it offers tournaments. Tournaments are a great way to win big sums of money, but they can be quite stressful and take up a lot of time. It is a good idea to start with low-stakes tournaments and work your way up.

There are some key things to bear in mind when playing online poker, including responsible bankroll management, avoiding distractions and respecting fellow players. It is also essential to master online poker etiquette, as failure to do so can lead to bad feelings and an unfavorable atmosphere at the table. It is also a good idea to engage with the poker community through forums and communities, as these can provide a wealth of knowledge from seasoned players.