Online poker is a strategic card game that millions of players around the world enjoy on their desktops, laptops and mobile devices. It’s fast-paced, easy to play from anywhere and offers more flexibility than in-person games. This article takes you through the basics of playing poker online, including how to choose an operator and what type of poker games are available.

The first step to play poker online is finding a reputable operator. The best way to do this is by reading professional reviews and peer feedback. You can also look for a site that offers the games you want to play and has a large community of players. You’ll find that many of the top poker sites offer different types of bonuses and promotions. Make sure to check out the bonus structure and terms and conditions before making a deposit.

A big part of the game is understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents. This can be difficult when playing online because you’re unable to see facial expressions or read body language. However, there are still ways to gain information about your opponents. Live players rely on physical cues, known as tells, while online players use tools like a HUD to display real-time odds and stats.

Another important aspect of poker is learning the rules of etiquette. This includes not attempting to manipulate other players by obscuring your chips or interfering with their decisions. It’s also important to stay calm and not let emotions get the better of you. Tilt is a huge problem in poker, and it can lead to crucial mistakes that you might not otherwise make.