Online poker is a game of strategy and skill, but unlike the tables in smoky bars where you can read physical tells to determine if someone is bluffing, online players must learn how to size up opponents by reading betting patterns. Luckily, the computer program that runs these games can calculate the odds of a player making a winning hand. This is referred to as pot odds and it’s something that every serious online poker player should learn about.

To get started playing online poker, first sign up for an account with a legitimate poker site. This requires a few personal details such as name, phone number, email address and a unique username and password. Once you’ve established an account you can deposit funds into your player wallet. Then you can start playing for real money. Some poker sites may require additional documentation to verify your identity but this is usually a quick and painless process.

Some of the top poker sites offer a wide range of promotions, bonuses and rewards, especially for new players. The Ignition Poker welcome bonus is a great example, matching your first deposit dollar for dollar and releasing the bonus in one-dollar increments for every 30 Ignition Miles earned. The site also offers a great mobile app with super-fast gameplay and customizable features.

In addition to a generous welcome bonus, Bovada Poker has many gambling-related promotions, including daily freerolls and large poker tournaments with big cash prizes. The site also features anonymous table gaming, which levels the playing field for beginners and helps pros to avoid easy prey. Players can use Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin and Litecoin to deposit at the site, and payout times average about five days.