Online poker is a very versatile game that can be played from virtually any computer, tablet or mobile device with a web browser. Players can play for cash at stakes as low as pennies or for satellite entries into the best live tournaments in the world. There are many different types of games available, but Texas Hold’em is the most popular by far.

While there are some differences between real money and play-money poker, most reputable sites offer both options. The major difference is that playing for real money requires more skill than a game played for play-money. Players tend to be looser when their own money is on the line and they are more likely to fold. This makes it more difficult for a beginner to make money in the long run.

Another key element to poker online play is proper bankroll management. It is recommended to start with a small bankroll and work your way up slowly, as opposed to jumping into high-stakes games right away. Too many people get carried away when they begin winning, and they often end up making bad decisions that result in them losing their entire bankroll. The best way to manage your bankroll is to play a tight, solid ABC game that only involves raising when you have a strong hand and can win.

Various software applications are also available to help you improve your poker online game. These include hand history databases that save, sort and recall your poker hands. Some of them also scan the active tables for known players and display previous statistics from hands they have played next to their name (known as a heads-up display, or HUD). Using these programs can help you make better decisions at the table and become a more profitable player over time.

There are also tools that track your results and provide valuable statistics, such as win-rates, number of flops seen, and times you went to showdown. This type of information is invaluable for serious players and is often a good indication of which areas of your game need the most work. Then you can focus on improving those specific aspects of your game.

Finally, it is important to note that you must be at least 18 years of age or the minimum legal age in your jurisdiction to play poker online. Most reputable US-based online poker rooms have age checks before you can begin playing and will not allow you to play if you are underage. You can also find out if you are allowed to play poker in your state by visiting the state-specific websites of major operators. Once you are ready to play, simply log in to the regulated poker site of your choice and select the game you wish to play. Most online poker rooms have a lobby that is categorized by “Cash Games,” “Tournaments” and any other special formats the site may run. You can also find a list of beginners tables which place you in a room with other players who have classified themselves as beginners.