Online poker is the game of poker played on the Internet. A number of software programs are available for download that can be used for play on desktop computers or mobile devices. The software usually displays the odds of each hand and shows past statistics of known players. These programs also give quizzes and offer a way to save your history of hands.
A player can participate in games of poker for free, or they can pay for real money. The first step in playing poker online is creating an account. You will need to provide information about yourself such as your name, age, and address. Some sites will also require a utility bill and other documents to confirm that you are who you say you are. This is an important step in making sure that your identity is not being abused.
Once you have set up your account, you can log on to your poker site. Most of these sites have a “quick start” option that allows you to select a game and the number of players that you are willing to play against. This is particularly helpful for new players. Then you can select your stakes and instantly be seated at the table.
Some poker sites allow you to play with several tables at once. This is a great way to double your profit. However, some sites prohibit this. If you are not careful, you could find yourself permanently banned from the poker site.
You can also choose to play low limit games. These are the most popular games at most poker sites. They can be played for as little as $10 per 100 hands. In the beginning, it is a good idea to play as many hands as you can in the first few weeks. You should also pay attention to the amount of flops that you see, the number of times that you go to a showdown, and how often you win. You may also want to check out your session stats after each play. This will give you a better idea of where you are winning and where you are losing.
Some sites also offer bonuses. You can get these by accumulating frequent player points. You can earn these bonuses by participating in certain tournaments and games. The amount that you will receive in the form of a bonus depends on how frequently you play. Most of these promotions do not give away the bonuses right away. They only release the bonuses when you have enough frequent player points.
A number of US poker sites accept bank transfers, e-checks, and cheques. Some poker sites will even convert your funds at a lower premium than your bank charges. Some sites also offer third-party eWallets. You will also have to make a deposit into your account. The deposit method will vary from site to site.
There are a number of poker books that will help you learn the basics of the game. One of the most popular is The Theory of Poker. You can also browse the internet for strategy guides and other resources.