Whether you’re an experienced live player looking to take the game up a level or a newcomer who’s never set foot in a card room, playing poker online is a convenient, safe and easy way to play. However, before you sign up to an online poker site and start playing, it’s a good idea to be familiar with some of the nuances that are unique to the virtual game.

One big difference is the fact that online players are dealt many more hands per hour than they would be in a live game. This can be quite a shock to new players who aren’t used to the pace of the game. It also means that there’s rarely time to rest between hands, especially when playing fast-fold games like turbo Sit n Gos or online cash games. To make the most of this, use your first few sessions to get a feel for the speed at which you’re expected to act.

Another important difference is that online poker requires a different skill set than live poker. It’s not as simple as reading physical ’tells’, instead it’s more about monitoring betting tendencies and making adjustments to your own game. While this may not sound as exciting, it’s a very important aspect of the game.

If you’re interested in boosting your skills and becoming a better online player, there are plenty of sites and coaches to choose from. Many of them offer free and affordable training packages that will help you take your game to the next level. You can also read poker strategy articles and books, and find out about the latest promotions from the best online poker sites.

Getting started is as simple as finding a poker site that accepts your country and downloading the client software. Most sites will then ask you to verify your identity and email address and to create a username and password. Once that’s done you can start playing and earning real money!

The best poker sites have a wide range of games and stakes, from the very lowest to the highest available. Whether you’re playing for pennies or satellite entries into the world’s biggest tournaments, there’s bound to be something for you. But be sure to check the regulations in your state before you start playing. Some states have very strict gambling laws and you should avoid unregulated sites at all costs.

If you’re a newcomer to the game, it’s best to stick to low-stakes games and small tables. These will give you the chance to learn the ropes without having to deal with more experienced players who might resent you if they have to wait for you to figure out how to play your hand. Besides, you’ll be able to build up your bankroll and avoid losing more money than you should. Eventually you can move up to higher stakes but remember that poker is a game of skill and it takes years to become a winning player.