How to Play Online Poker

Online poker has become an increasingly popular way to play the game of poker. It can be played on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, or phones. It’s available for both free and real money play. Some sites also offer satellite entries into live tournaments, giving players the chance to win a seat without having to travel.

To begin playing online, you’ll need to open an account with the site of your choice. Most of these sites require you to be at least 18 years of age. You’ll also have to provide a valid Social Security Number or other identifying document to verify your identity. You may also be asked to give a utility bill or other form of proof of address. If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can download a real-money app to play the game. You can also use a third-party e-wallet to fund your account.

Once you have signed up with a poker site, you’ll be able to deposit money into your player account. Some sites allow you to deposit via credit card, while others accept e-checks and wire transfers. Some sites will also convert funds at a lower premium than banks. If you’re going to be using a third-party e-wallet, it’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions of the site to ensure there are no fees or other restrictions.

When you are ready to start playing, you will first need to download the software of the poker site you wish to play with. Most sites will take a few minutes to download. The software will be able to track your sessions, display your equity, and even tell you how many hands you have played. The software will also save your hand histories, so you can check up on previous games and opponents.

After you’ve downloaded the software, you’ll need to register with the site. You’ll be asked to provide your full name, age, address, and a social security number or other identifying document. The process isn’t difficult, and the poker site will likely have an easy-to-follow tutorial. The only real limitation is that you can only create one account. If you decide to change your name, you’ll need to re-register with the site.

The poker site you select will typically ask you to confirm your age, and you might have to submit a utility bill or other document to verify your address. When you do, the software will cross-reference your personal information with a national database. It’s important to pay close attention to how often you go to the showdown, your win-rate, and the amount of flops you see.

If you’re new to online poker, you’ll want to play in a “beginner” table. These tables are designed for players who are new to the game, and they level the playing field so that everyone has a fair shot at winning. Then, you can increase your limit, and start playing with better opponents.

It’s important to remember that the poker sites you play on will have their own rules. If you break these rules, you’ll be banned from the site. Fortunately, most of the major sites are monitored by financial and government bodies to make sure they’re keeping their customers’ data safe.