Online poker is played through a variety of websites and platforms. Players must select a site that offers a wide range of games, good customer support and security features. Once a website has been selected, the player must create an account by providing personal details and a password. The player must then choose a deposit method and wait for funds to appear in the account balance.

The best poker players possess several traits, including patience, reading other players and developing strategies. They also have the ability to calculate pot odds and percentages, which can help them make better decisions during a hand. In addition, they know when to quit a game and try again another day.

It’s a good idea to limit your playing time to one table when you’re new to online poker. There is a lot to see and process when playing online, and limiting yourself to one table will prevent sensory overload. Additionally, it will allow you to concentrate on making the right call.

When you play online, it’s important to understand the rules and strategy of each game. It’s also important to learn about your opponents’ betting tendencies and read their body language. In live poker, players can look at the other players’ faces and pick up on their various nuances when making decisions. However, this isn’t possible when you play online, so you need to pay close attention to their betting patterns.

The most common mistake made by newcomers to online poker is trying to bluff too much. This can be extremely costly, especially if you’re playing against a tough opponent. Bluffing is a huge part of poker, but it’s important to do it properly. In general, you should only bluff when you have a decent chance of winning.

Another common mistake is playing weak hands in the hopes of a miracle comeback. This can be a very expensive mistake, and it’s often better to fold than risk your tournament life with a junk hand. Remember, the best way to beat your opponents is to make mathematically sound calls consistently.

When you’re first starting out, it’s a good idea to stick to low stakes tables when playing poker online. This will give you a feel for the game and let you test out your skills without spending too much money. In addition, most online poker sites offer play-money tables, which you can use to practice your strategy before moving up to real-money games.