How to Play Online Poker

When you play poker online, the aim is to win pots (money or chips) by participating in rounds of betting. Players pay an entry fee (the buy-in) to get a stack of chips which they must protect at all costs. The top 10% to 15% of survivors usually receive a cash prize (the money).

To become a good poker player you need to understand the game thoroughly. It is important to know the rules of poker so that you can develop your own strategy and play within the rules.

Some poker sites have different variations of the game, but most offer the same basic rules. All of these games are based on a hand of cards which the dealer deals to each player and then the remaining players participate in a round of betting. The highest-ranked hand wins the pot.

The first step to playing poker online is to register with the poker site. This involves creating a user account and providing your personal details, such as name, address, email, phone number, date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number. You will also be asked to confirm that you are of legal age to play poker in your jurisdiction. The poker site will then send you a verification email.

You can then select a table to join, depending on your skill level and bankroll. It is recommended that you choose a low stakes table and observe other players’ strategies. Observing the game will give you an advantage, as you’ll be able to identify the weaker players and target them with light 3-bets. Using a HUD (hand history display) will help you with this because it will show you your opponents’ tendencies.

As you play poker online, it is important to keep track of your performance. This can be done by clicking on the session stats that appear after a game. By reviewing these statistics, you can see how much you are winning or losing and make improvements to your game.

Another useful tool is the calculator, which can help you determine how many chips are needed to call a bet by showing you the odds of making the call. This is especially helpful if you’re not sure whether to call a raise. In addition, the calculator will calculate your flop percentage and how many times you’ve gone to showdown.

In order to fund your poker account, you must register with an online casino or poker site that accepts your preferred banking method. Once registered, you can login to your account and select the deposit option. Make sure that you choose the correct amount. Most casinos require a minimum deposit of $10, and some have maximum limits. In addition, some online casinos have transaction fees. This is why it’s important to check the website’s terms and conditions before funding your account.