Online poker is a card game where players play against each other. The game is played over the Internet and it is regulated in some countries. There are several ways to play the game, including free-play games and live tournaments. It is a game of skill and luck, but can also be a good source of income.

The first step to playing online poker is to sign up for an account with a reputable site. This process involves providing your identity and agreeing to the site’s terms and conditions. Once your account is created you can deposit funds using a variety of options, including credit cards and e-wallets. Some sites require additional verification processes, which can include providing identification documents.

Most sites offer a range of games, including cash games, tournaments and Sit & Go’s. In addition, many of the top sites have special features, such as fast-seating, a variety of table limits and straddle betting. Some of these features make it easier to win more money and improve your skills.

Once you’ve signed up for an account, the next step is to fund your poker bankroll. This is generally a simple process. Most poker sites have a cashier section where you can select from a list of banking options. This usually includes credit and debit cards, e-wallets and bank wires. Choose the option that suits you best and click submit. Once your account is funded you can start playing for real money.

If you’re new to the game, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the many free resources available to learn the rules and strategy. There are online articles, blogs and even courses that can teach you the fundamentals of the game. Some of these sites may focus exclusively on online poker, but the strategies learned can be applied to live games as well.

One of the biggest challenges for new players is understanding how to read poker charts and tables. This can be overwhelming for beginners, but with practice it becomes easier to understand. Once you’ve mastered basic chart reading, you can move on to advanced concepts like EV estimation and frequency distribution. You can also learn more about the math behind poker hands by studying books like Harrington on Hold’em or Theory of Poker.

As you become more familiar with the game, you’ll need to decide whether to play live or online. Both offer advantages and disadvantages, but it’s up to you which one you prefer. Live games are more social, and the ability to interact with other players is a big draw for some people. However, online play is convenient and offers the chance to play hundreds of hands per hour if you’re skilled enough.

Another benefit of online poker is that it’s accessible from most countries around the world, including the US. In the past, it was difficult to find a legitimate online poker site that accepted US players. Fortunately, there are now more than a dozen options, and the competition for your business is stiff.