Whether you’re new to online poker or you’ve been playing it for years, there are a few things you should know. Generally speaking, playing a game that’s free online is a good way to get a feel for the game and see what it’s all about. However, if you’re looking for a real money experience, you’ll need to make a deposit. While most US sites accept bank transfers and e-checks, there are still a few that don’t.

One of the most useful things about playing an online poker game is that you can play from anywhere. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can always use a tablet or smartphone. You can also download real money poker apps for iPhone and Android.

The first thing you should do is find out how to create an account at an online poker site. This will give you the opportunity to get your hands on a bonus. The most popular type of bonus is the welcome offer, which usually includes a freeroll entry, extra tournament tickets, and a match on your initial deposit. The welcome offer is geared toward new players, but if you’re an experienced player, you may be able to take advantage of a no-deposit bonus as well.

Another thing you should do is choose your poker room. You want to find a place that meets your needs, including the types of games you enjoy playing, the number of players at each table, and the stakes you’re willing to play. If you’re only interested in playing in cash games, you can find plenty of sites that allow you to play in “beginner” tables, which are designed to level the playing field for new players.

The biggest draw of playing an online game is winning real money. If you’re just starting out, it’s important to set a budget for your bankroll. You should also make sure you’re prepared for the inevitable swings in your bankroll. A good way to do this is to start out by playing as many hands as possible in the first few weeks of your account. This will give you an idea of how much you can handle and help you develop your own strategy.

It’s also a good idea to learn about the various hand rankings. This will give you an idea of what is the strongest hand, and what is not. This will enable you to read other players’ moves. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll be able to call bluffs with aplomb. You might even win an extra buck or two for eliminating your opponents.

The next step is to download the software. Most online poker sites will download to your computer for a few minutes, and you shouldn’t have to worry too much about the software taking up too much of your memory. You should also take advantage of the quick start option, which allows you to select a game and a stakes level and sit down instantly.