Online poker is a lot like live poker in that it’s a social, competitive, and intellectual game of skill. But unlike slots or the lottery, poker rewards actual skill over time. The top players are the ones that spend just as much time studying and training as they do playing the game. They sign up for coaching sites like Chip Leader Coaching or Upswing Poker, network with other successful pros, and brutally analyze their play after every session. And, thanks to modern technology, they can do all of that without ever leaving their homes.
While some players prefer to go to the casino for poker, others are perfectly happy playing online. With many physical locations closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the option to log on and play from the comfort of their own homes is a welcome respite. And, with some simple precautions, they can enjoy all the benefits that online poker has to offer.
The first step in playing poker online is to download the client software. It’s usually a small file and the process is quick and painless. Once the software is installed you’ll need to create an account. This will require verifying your identity (typically by sending a photo ID or utility bill). Then, you’re ready to play!
Once you’ve signed up for an online poker site, you can enter the lobby and browse games. The lobbies are generally categorized by Cash Games, Tournaments, Sit & Go’s, and other special format games that the website runs. Most sites will also have a “beginner” tab where new players can choose to be seated only with other players who classify themselves as beginners. This dramatically levels the playing field for newcomers to the game and is a great way to get comfortable with the speed and features of online poker.
Another great feature of poker online is that you can play multiple tables at once. This is a huge advantage over playing live poker. In live poker, if you’re unlucky to be seated at a table with players who make slow decisions, you may only get to play a few hands per hour. In online poker, however, you can launch a room of games and play several tables simultaneously.
One final benefit of poker online is that it’s legal in most states. Some states have strict regulations, but for the most part poker is completely legal. Be sure to check with your state’s regulating body before registering with an online poker site though. The last thing you want is to be accused of illegal gambling. The best way to avoid this is by ensuring that the online poker site you’re choosing uses “fenced-in” markets and only accepts players from your state. This protects you from those who operate illegally and could potentially face serious legal penalties. Also, make sure to read the terms and conditions of each site carefully before depositing money. This will prevent any surprises down the road.
