Online poker is a game played on the Internet by people from all over the world. It can be played for money (real or play) and for a range of stakes, from the pennies to satellite entries into some of the world’s largest live tournaments. The game is regulated by each state where it’s available and is governed by strict rules to protect players and ensure fair games.

To play poker online you’ll need a computer or laptop with a decent amount of memory and an Internet connection. You’ll also need to download the poker software from your preferred site and create a user account. You can play for free at most sites or sign up to start playing with real money. Most online poker sites offer a variety of deposit methods including credit and debit cards, pre-paid cards, e-checks and third party eWallets.

Most online poker rooms provide a variety of tables to choose from including ones for new players. These tables are populated with players who have designated themselves as new players which helps level the playing field for people just starting out. Many new players will start by playing at these tables and then gradually work their way up to higher stakes once they’ve gained some experience.

The best way to learn poker is to find a poker mentor who can teach you the game. They can guide you to the values of patience and discipline which are needed to become an expert poker player. They can also help you understand the different nuances of the game such as pot odds which are a calculation of the current size of the pot compared to the cost of calling a bet.