Poker online is a convenient and cost-effective way to play poker. Its advantages include a wide variety of stakes, the option to socialise with players, and the ability to practice without having to travel. But it’s important to understand the rules of poker before you sign up for an account.

The first step is to find an online site that suits your needs. The best sites are regulated by an independent gaming commission, have a strong security policy and offer fast and secure payouts. In addition, they accept a range of deposit methods and are available on mobile devices.

If you’re new to the game, it’s a good idea to start with low-stakes games. This will give you a chance to learn the basics of poker and make sure that you can enjoy the game without losing money.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to move up to higher-stakes games. This will require a lot of skill and patience, but it’s well worth the effort in the long run.

It’s also essential to learn the different poker strategies and techniques before you jump in. These strategies will help you to win more hands and increase your bankroll.

A key part of playing good poker is knowing how to read your opponents. This is made easy by the use of tracking software and heads-up displays (HUDs).

You’ll need to understand your starting hand range and how it relates to your opponent’s hand range. This is especially useful in lower-stakes tables, where there are often a lot of fishy players who like to call too much.

Using this knowledge, you can then work on your strategy and improve your game. One of the most basic strategies is to try and get the other player to fold before you call their flop bet. This strategy can be effective even if you have weak hands.

Another tip is to always check-raise preflop. This strategy allows you to make more money by giving yourself more betting opportunities. You can re-raise before the flop as well, which will give you more chances to win.

It’s also a good idea to track your results when playing poker, so you can see how well you’re doing and learn what works and doesn’t. You can do this by clicking on your session statistics after you’ve finished playing.

It’s also a good idea to choose an online site that offers bonuses and promotions to help you boost your budget. These can come in the form of freeroll tournaments or other prizes. It’s also a good idea to check the terms and conditions of any bonus you receive, as some sites can be quite strict.