Online poker is a great way to practice the game without having to leave home. There are a number of different sites to choose from but choosing one with a solid reputation is important. A reputable site will be licensed by an independent gaming commission and use software that has been audited by a third party to ensure fair play. It should also promise to weed out collusion and bots.
Players should also make sure they choose a poker site that will accept their preferred method of payment. Most sites offer a variety of options including credit cards and e-wallets. Some sites may require that you provide documentation to prove your identity but this is generally a painless process.
When playing poker online, it is easy to get distracted and lose focus. This can lead to poor decision-making and expensive mistakes. It is important to be in a good mental and physical state before playing online. Avoid distractions such as streaming video, checking email and grabbing food or drinks. It is also helpful to have everything you need ready before starting your session.
While Texas Hold’em is the dominant game across all sites, you can find variations such as Omaha and 7 Card Stud. Online poker is a very fast-paced game and hands will come at you three times as quickly as live games. This can increase the chances of getting frustrated during a dry spell and making bad decisions. One way to combat this is to use a HUD such as PokerTracker or Hold’em Manager 3 which overlays your online table and displays real-time statistics on your opponents.