Online poker is a gambling game played over the Internet. It’s one of the few gambling games that has some amount of skill involved, which is why people can make a living playing it. Unlike roulette or slot machines, players have to be able to read their opponents and decide when to call and when to fold, and there are some basic strategies that can help them increase their chances of winning.
The first step in getting started is to find a reputable poker site that accepts your preferred method of payment. Many poker sites use a number of different methods to verify your identity, including IP address checks and triangulation via cell phone towers. In addition, they will also likely require a government-issued ID and have age limits in place.
Once you’ve found a site, you should download the software. The overall demand on your computer is minimal and you should be able to play on most modern computers, even with a relatively slow connection. Once you’ve downloaded the software you can log in and create a user account. Then, you’ll need to deposit money into your account, with the money that you lose being deducted from your balance and the money that you win being added to it.
It’s important to monitor your wins and losses to prevent yourself from overspending. It’s also a good idea to stick with a tight, solid ABC game and not overplay weak hands. However, you should also expand your starting hand range if you’re playing against tight tables.
