Online poker is a game of chance, but it’s also a skill-based game that requires consistent study and practice to improve. Most professional players spend just as much time studying the game as they do playing it, and that’s why so many of them are successful.

The first step to playing poker online is choosing a site and depositing money. Many sites require a credit card and proof of identity, but that’s completely normal and usually a painless process. The next step is to learn how to play the game and build up your bankroll. It’s important to remember that poker is a highly volatile game, and you will have losing days along the way.

It’s also important to keep your emotions in check when playing poker, especially when it comes to bad beats. If you let a single bad beat make you cry or go on monkey tilt, you will quickly blow through your bankroll. Instead, focus on your overall progress over months and years. This will help you keep your motivation high and avoid giving up on the game after a few tough days.

Having the right software will also make your experience playing poker online easier. Look for a poker client that loads quickly, is easy to navigate and offers a variety of features. Some of the best poker clients will track your performance, so you can see how well you’re doing. Others will provide detailed information on the results of your hands, including how many times you went to showdown and what final hand you held.

In addition to a software client, look for an online poker site that has a mobile app. Most poker sites have one, and it will allow you to access all of the same games and tournaments as the desktop client. Mobile apps tend to have a condensed version of the lobby, but they should still be easy to navigate and allow you to find the games you want to play.

Some online poker sites also offer bonuses and rewards to their players. These may come in the form of free chips or cash. These are often offered to newcomers and regulars alike. In order to take advantage of these, you should read the terms and conditions carefully. Some of these promotions have wagering requirements and other rules that you should familiarize yourself with before accepting them.

When it comes to a legal poker site, it’s important to choose a trusted regulated operator. This will ensure that you are not subject to any shady practices or disappearing funds. In addition, you should also look for a site that offers multiple banking options for deposits and withdrawals.

While it’s possible to play poker without a computer or smartphone, the best online poker sites will have both options available. This is because they want to attract as many players as possible. A large player pool means more opportunities to win money against softer opponents.