Online poker is a game of chance but one that rewards real skill unlike slots or the lottery. It’s also a game that can be played at anytime of the day or night for whatever stakes you want. And it’s something that can be done from the comfort of your own home.

But online poker isn’t for everyone. It takes a lot of time to build up a bankroll and some players get way too emotionally invested in the game. Then they go on monkey tilt and blow their entire account. It’s important for new players to be able to control their emotions and not let the ups and downs of poker get them down.

It’s a good idea to find a site that offers a variety of games and tournaments. And look for a user-friendly interface. The best sites make it easy to navigate and play from any device, whether desktop or mobile. They also have a huge number of different deposit and withdrawal options including credit cards, eWallets and even third-party prepaid cards. It’s usually possible to make deposits and withdrawals in your local currency too. And there are age checks to make sure you’re old enough to play.

If you’re a new player it’s a good idea to stick with micro or small-stake games to start with. This gives you the chance to get a feel for the game and work on your skills without risking too much money. And as you get better and learn more about the game you can gradually move up to bigger games.

Another good tip is to try and be an aggressive player. This means raising with high pairs and bluffing a little. It’s also important to keep in mind that position can be a big factor when it comes to winning hands. If you’re in early position it’s often better to fold rather than raise but late position can be a great time to steal blind bets.

Lastly, it’s important to have a decent understanding of odds and the probability of winning a hand. There are a number of free online tools available to help you understand the odds of getting certain hands in various situations. The Which Hand Wins Calculator is a particularly useful tool for beginners as it shows you what the odds are of getting a specific hand in different scenarios.

It’s also a good idea to sign up for an online poker bonus when you first join. Most poker sites offer one and it’s a great way to give your bankroll a boost. But make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully as there are sometimes wagering requirements attached to these bonuses. And remember to only ever use a reputable site. Avoid those that aren’t regulated as they may operate without basic consumer safeguards and could be shut down at any time.