Online poker is a game of cards that involves betting and strategy. Players can choose to play with a standard deck of 52 cards or multiple decks that are reshuffled between hands. Unlike casino games, where luck plays a big role, skilled players can win substantial sums of money through online poker. Investing time in learning the game and focusing on making smart moves can make you a better player.

Many websites offer free play to let players practice the game without risking their money. This allows them to build up a bankroll before playing for real money. This bankroll can then be used to make wagers on real money games or tournaments. Getting familiar with the rules, hand rankings and poker positions can help you become a more successful player. Various software applications also exist for online play that can help you improve your game. These include hand databases that save, sort and recall your entire poker history, as well as odds and equity calculators. These programs can scan active tables for known players and display previous statistics from hands with them next to their name (known as a HUD).

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to higher-than-normal traffic at many poker sites. This is because recreational players who normally prefer live casinos and other venues have redirected their attention to online platforms. The increased traffic has been good for online poker operators as they can benefit from a larger customer base and bigger advertising revenue. In addition, digital device fingerprinting has helped some poker platforms to recognize and block players who create new accounts to circumvent bans, restrictions and account closures.