When you play poker online, you’re playing against a random stranger, so you need to be on your bluffing game to win. Poker is a game that was once played only in casinos and smoky bars. It started out as a social game that was played over chat rooms, but as the Internet took off, the game became more serious, with secure sites able to hold players’ money.
Before you can start playing online poker, you need to download poker software. Most sites require only a few minutes to download, and they’re usually virus-free. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to create an account. Make sure you create only one account. It’s against the rules to use multiple accounts on a single poker site, and if you do, you’ll be permanently banned.
The poker lobby on an online site is usually divided into several sections: cash games, tournaments, and special format games. You can also find beginner’s tables, which are good for those who have never played poker online. Beginners can start out on these tables and build their confidence before moving on to more difficult games.
Another advantage to playing poker online is that there are no restrictions as to when you can play the game. You can play whenever you want, with no travel costs. In addition, you can bluff without seeing the other player’s face, which can be crucial for rookies.