Online poker is a game that has come a long way since its origins in smoky bars and chat rooms. Now, online poker is played from laptops, tablets and phones, and offers the chance to win real money. Those interested in the game can download a poker app from Apple’s App Store or Android’s Google Play. Depending on the site, they can participate in cash games, sit & go’s, and multi-table tournaments.
Some online poker sites also offer satellites into live tournaments, like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. The WSOP is a high-stakes event with a $10k prize pool, and low-buy-in satellites lead to a seat in the tournament.
No-limit Texas Hold’em is the most popular game. Players are given two cards, and combine them with five community cards to make the best possible hand. While it’s simple enough to learn, it’s also one of the most difficult games to master.
A lot of online poker sites offer a free no-download poker game. These do not provide the same features as a full-download version, but they’re a good option for beginners. You’ll need a fast internet connection, though. If you’re on an old dial-up or archaic modem, you might experience slowdown.
There are plenty of online poker sites that offer sign-up bonuses. These can range from a simple, instant free $10 to a massive $1,000 bonus. However, most sign-up bonuses require players to play a certain number of hands on the site. This is because the bonuses are released based on the amount of frequent player points you earn.
One of the most useful things you can do with an online poker site is to track your results. This can be as simple as keeping track of how many flops you see, how often you hit, and how often you go to showdown. By doing this, you can see where you’re winning, and where you’re losing.
Other things to look for include a quick start option. Most sites offer this, which allows you to set the stakes and number of players you want to start with. It’s a great feature for newer poker players.
The Which Hand Wins Calculator is another of the many useful gizmos at online poker sites. As the name suggests, the calculator explains the best hand for each player. Basically, you input your opponents’ and your own cards, and the calculator will give you the winning hand for each player.
One of the best ways to learn poker is by playing in online poker tournaments. In addition to a chance to win big, you can participate in multi-table tournaments that are guaranteed to offer a decent prize pool. Many sites also offer STUD or mixed games, in which the player may play in the same hand as someone of a different skill level.
Lastly, the poker site you choose should offer a sign-up bonus. Although most poker sites offer no-deposit promotions, you’ll typically need to make a deposit. Sites can take a variety of forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and third-party eWallets.