Online poker is played on computers, smartphones, and tablets. It is a card game that involves a player combining two cards with five community cards to make the best hand. The rules of the game are the same, whether the game is played online or in a real casino. Players must be at least 18 years old to play.

In order to play, a player must download a poker software program. Then, they can either choose to open a single table or multi-tabling. Multi-tabling allows players to bet more than one time per hand. Most online poker sites offer this feature.

Poker games online can also be played for free. These games are often referred to as “freerolls” and attract beginners and less rich clients. During the game, each player gets a stack of chips. Afterward, the person who holds the most chips at the end of the round is the winner. This allows players to win a significant amount of money without risking their own bankroll.

Online poker has become extremely popular. There are thousands of games available on all levels, from freerolls to high stakes. The number of licensed websites is growing. Many operators report traffic doubling or more than before.

Most online poker sites offer sign-up bonuses. They range from instant free $10 to massive $1,000 bonuses. A deposit can be made using a variety of methods, including checks, e-checks, and bank transfers. To get the most value out of your bonus, you should shop around. Some online poker rooms even offer special perks to loyal players.

When registering for a new account, most online poker sites offer a quick start option, which lets you select the table size and stakes that you’d like to play. This is useful for beginners, who may not know where to begin. Another option is to add a second table, which allows you to expand your play area, but does not take up as much space.

Once you have created your account, it is recommended that you try to play as many hands as you can. This will help you gauge your win rate. Also, pay close attention to the number of flops and showdowns that you see during your sessions. If you have a bad beat, it may be a good idea to re-tighten your ranges and increase your bets before the opponent folds.

Some poker sites allow you to track your results. You can enter the cards that you’ve been dealt and see how you do against other players. It can be especially helpful for casual players, since tracking results gives them a sense of where they’re winning and losing.

Online poker is also very fast. Many players report seeing more hands per hour than they would playing in a live tournament. Additionally, some players report that they have more bad beats than in a live tournament. One reason for this may be the use of non-random card dealing. However, this method has been criticized for giving the house-employed player an advantage.