Online poker is the game of the future, allowing players to play whenever they want, from wherever they are and at any stakes they desire. Unlike slot machines or the lottery, online poker rewards actual skill rather than just chance. It is therefore a much more intellectual and satisfying hobby than the mere act of gambling.

There are a few things to keep in mind before getting started though, as the virtual world of online poker can be very different from what you may expect. Firstly, you need to understand the terminology. Poker jargon can be overwhelming at first but once you know the basics you’ll soon get the hang of it. The main terms you need to remember are call, fold and raise.

Secondly, it’s important to keep track of your poker results. This will help you understand where you’re winning and losing your money, and also let you see how your strategy is working. This is why most of the top poker sites have built-in tracking systems for your use. It’s a good idea to click on your session stats every time you finish playing to get a better picture of what’s working and what isn’t.

Finally, make sure you set limits for your sessions and stick to them. This will prevent the games from becoming too much of a grind and help you to keep enjoying the game over the long term. It’s also a good idea to start in the free lobbies before moving on to paid tables as this will allow you to get used to the pace and controls of the games before spending any real cash.

It’s also worth noting that most online poker sites will require some kind of deposit from their new players before they start releasing the sign-up bonus. This is done to ensure that the player will be active and will spend a reasonable amount of time playing poker on the site in order to clear their bonuses. The best poker sites will make it clear what requirements must be met in order to earn your bonus.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to try out different poker variants. Although online Hold’em and Omaha are the most popular forms of the game there are many other fascinating variations to try too, including Five-card stud, Razz and Badugi. Some of these variations aren’t even played in live casinos but can still be found on the internet, which is a great way to get to grips with them.

Fortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen a big uptake in the popularity of online poker as it allows people to continue their favourite pastime without having to leave the comfort of their homes. Regulated online poker is still only available in a small number of US states but it’s slowly making its way back into the mainstream. In the meantime, it’s possible to find a good range of reputable licensed poker sites with an extensive player pool to choose from.