Poker is a game of skill over the long haul and many top pros spend as much time studying the game as they do playing it. If you want to become an expert in poker online, you should know the rules and the different variants, learn how to read tells and adjust your strategy based on your opponents’ tendencies, and develop a good bankroll management plan.

When choosing an online poker site, look for a trustworthy one with secure gambling licenses and top-notch encryption methods to safeguard your personal information. You should also make sure to play only within your means and never risk more than you can afford to lose. If you’re new to the game, you should start small and gradually increase your stakes as your skills improve.

Another important consideration is the site’s reputation and traffic. A reputable poker site will have a large player base, so you can find games at any level and enjoy healthy competition. In addition, a good poker website will offer multiple ways to contact customer support, including email, live chat, and phone support.

To get started, register for a free account with an online poker site. Then, deposit money into your poker account using a safe method such as an e-wallet or bank transfer. Then, you can begin playing with real cash. Some online poker sites even offer play-money tables where you can practice your skills without risking any money.

Once you’ve registered an account, you can choose your game type and stakes. You can even play for real money against people from around the world. You can also participate in tournaments for a chance to win big prizes. Most poker sites accept a variety of major credit and debit cards, as well as e-wallet services such as PayPal.

The game is played by placing chips in a circle on the table and then betting in turn. Once a player has acted, the next players can either call or fold. The player who has the highest-ranked hand wins. If nobody has a high-ranked hand, the pot is split among the remaining players.

Some online poker sites require additional documentation to verify your identity, such as a scan of your ID and a utility bill with your name and address. This is normal and a common security measure to prevent fraud and protect the interests of their customers.

The most popular poker game is Texas Hold’em, but there are many variations of the game. Each game has its own rules and betting limits, but most of them are based on the same fundamentals. Beginners should start by learning the basics of the game, such as betting, raising, and folding. Once they’ve mastered these basics, they can move on to more advanced strategies such as reading opponents’ tells and making moves based on their opponents’ betting behavior. They can also work on their poker face and bluffing techniques. These strategies can help them achieve a higher winning percentage.