Unlike live poker, playing online poker doesn’t require traveling. You can play on your desktop, your tablet, or your smartphone. You can even participate in satellite entries into live poker tournaments. You can play for as long or as little as you like.
The best part of online poker is that it is usually free. This is a big plus for casual players who don’t want to travel to casinos.
It is important to remember that you can’t add money mid-hand. However, you can multi-tabling, which doubles your profit. And most sign-up bonuses don’t come instantly.
The most basic step is to create a poker account. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and a physical address. Some sites will also require you to submit additional documentation, such as a utility bill, to verify your identity.
The site may also offer a bonus. Most of these promotions aren’t worth your while.
The most efficient way to play is to start by downloading the appropriate poker software. This software is usually free and can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, or Linux. This software will also save your hand histories, as well as the odds and other nifty tidbits of information.
One of the best features of online poker is that you can bluff without seeing your opponent’s face. This is a big advantage for rookie players.
In addition to the above, you should learn the basics of poker before you jump in. This includes knowing the correct play if you’re using a real money account, and how to use the various functions of your computer.
