Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned pro, online poker is a great way to enjoy your favorite card game. Online poker can be played on computers, laptops, mobile devices and tablets, and can be played for free or for a variety of friendly stakes. You can even play satellites into live poker tournaments.

Before you start playing poker online, you need to know the basics of the game. Online poker sites usually have “beginner” tables that level the playing field for new players. These are the easiest tables to play, and you can practice for free. Then, you can move up to higher stakes and play at the “high stakes” tables.

When you are first starting out, it’s best to keep your focus on playing decent hands. The main goal of playing online poker is to win real money. You can do this by using the right strategy. The following are a few tips to help you win.

The first thing you need to do is find a site that offers a sign-up bonus. Most poker sites offer sign-up bonuses, which vary from instant free $10 to massive $1,000 bonuses. The bonus is typically a percentage of your first deposit, which is matched at 100% up to a maximum. You may also have to play a certain number of hands to qualify for the bonus. Most sites also offer tracking tools to help you keep track of your wins and losses.

You will also need to register for an account on the poker site. This can be done using a bank account or a wallet service, such as Neteller. If you have an account with a bank, you may be able to use Bill Pay to transfer funds directly to your poker account. This is a popular method with international players. If you have a US bank account, you can also use an eCheck, which is a type of ACH transfer. However, these methods may not be available at all sites.

You will also need to download poker software. The software will allow you to multi-table at the same time, which will help you make more money. It also makes your games more stable. Depending on your connection, the software may take a few minutes to download, but it should be pretty quick.

Almost all online poker sites have sign-up bonuses, but some sites have special perks. Typically, these perks come in the form of freerolls, which are tournaments that are free to enter. You may also be able to get a seat in a $10k WSOP Main Event through a low-buy-in satellite. Freerolls also come with real cash prizes. If you can’t find a freeroll that suits your needs, try a third-party site.

PokerStars offers a wide variety of games, from sit-and-go tournaments to big prize cash games. You can also earn chests based on how much you play. Some sites have other formats, including mixed games, during their longer tournament series.