Online poker takes the classic game that has long existed in the backs of smoky bars and casinos and cranks it up to 11: you can play for free, for pennies, or even win satellite entries into the best live tournaments around the world from anywhere with an Internet connection. Unlike slots and roulette the game rewards real skill and top pros spend as much time studying and networking with other successful players as they do playing.
When you play poker online it can be easy to get distracted by music, TV, other people in the house or on the phone and even your own personal e-mails. In order to be profitable you need to treat your online sessions like a business: eliminate any distractions, focus on your game and make the best decisions possible.
Another important point to consider when playing poker online is the variance that exists in the games you play. The swings in online poker can be far more dramatic than they are in live events because you are playing so many hands. It is very common for players to go on 20, 30, or 50 buy-in downswings when playing poker online – it’s just part of the game.
It’s also important to choose a poker site that has a good reputation and is licensed in your country. You should be able to deposit and withdraw funds using a variety of methods including credit cards, bank wires, eChecks and third-party eWallets.