Poker online is an exciting, fast-paced game involving strategy and risk. It can be a fun and lucrative way to make money, but it’s important to remember that it is still gambling, and you should always play responsibly. The COVID-19 pandemic is believed to have sent a number of recreational and professional players who normally play live poker to online platforms, as many traditional casinos and other venues closed during the crisis.

Unlike playing at a live casino, where other players can see your face, playing poker online allows you to stay anonymous while you’re in the game. This makes it easier to test out different strategies without worrying about how other players will react. You can also use various software programs to help you with your game. These include hand databases that save, sort, and recall hands you’ve played online, as well as odds calculators and equity or variance charts.

Another great thing about online poker is that you don’t have to tip the dealer. Plus, online dealers aren’t prone to human error like live ones are. This can save you a lot of money, and you’ll be less likely to get beat by a bad dealer!

While the idea of winning big in poker is appealing, it’s important to realize that you’ll experience a lot of losing days. To survive in this game, you need to learn to be patient and not let your emotions get the best of you. You must treat others with respect and avoid making quick decisions out of frustration or stress, or you’ll lose your bankroll in no time.