Online poker is a great way to pass the time or make some extra money while at home, but it’s important to be aware of the risks. Before you join a poker site, ensure that it’s licensed and regulated by an independent gaming commission, uses top-notch security protocols, and is safe to use. It’s also important to play responsibly and set budgets for your bankroll.

Online poker games are played using software that runs on a computer and is connected to the internet. Players sign up using their personal details and then deposit funds to start playing. They can then play real-money games, or participate in tournaments. There are also free-to-play poker sites, where players can try out the game without risking any money. These sites are often more competitive than those with lower buy-ins, as they attract the best players from around the world.

The most popular online poker sites are PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker, which offer a variety of different types of games. Some of these include No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Hold’em, and Fixed Limit Hold’em. Each of these has its own rules and structure, but the basic principles are the same for all of them.

Poker online requires a lot of concentration, and the pace can be fast in turbo Sit ’n Gos and fast-fold cash games. It’s tempting to load up a few tables at once, but this can lead to burnout, so it’s best to stick with one until you’re comfortable. Also, be sure to avoid distractions such as phones and TV, which can ruin your focus.

A good tip for online poker is to get a hand-reading app or program to help you size up opponents. While it’s not as easy to read physical tells online, it’s still possible to spot tells by looking at how quickly a player acts and by monitoring their betting tendencies. It’s also helpful to ask for help if you’re new to the game, as experienced players can often point out tells.

Another tip is to be patient when facing an aggressive opponent. This is especially important in early position, where it can be easy to fall victim to a back-door draw. If you’re in late position, you can expand your starting hand range and mix up your play to exploit weakness.

Finally, remember to have fun! Poker is a mental game and you’ll perform better when you’re in a good mood. If you’re feeling tired, stressed or angry, take a break. Poker is not for everyone, and if you’re not enjoying it, you won’t perform well.