Online poker has a slightly different set of rules than its live counterpart, but the same basic principles apply. The first step in playing poker online is to register an account with a recommended cardroom. After a quick verification process the player will be asked to deposit funds via one of several methods including credit cards, e-wallets and Bitcoin. Once the funds have credited to their account the players can begin to play for real money.

Unlike a casino where you can read physical ‘tells’ to gauge your opponents, online poker requires that you size them up by observing their betting patterns. Once you have a feel for their tendencies, you can adjust your own game to maximize your chances of winning.

The biggest online poker sites typically have a large player pool, which means that you’ll always find an active game to join. They also offer a wide range of tournament events, with buy-ins ranging from a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Some of the best online poker rooms offer a variety of promotions and bonuses. These can include reload bonuses, loyalty bonuses and referral rewards. Reload bonuses are usually a percentage of your initial deposit, while loyalty bonuses and referral rewards are based on the amount of play you’ve done over time.

While a good bonus structure is important, the software and games are what really matter when it comes to a great online poker experience. A site’s table software should be easy to use, and the games should be fun to play.