Online poker is a game that requires a lot of patience, practice and honed instincts. It is also a game that can get expensive, so it is important to limit your session times and be conscious of how much time you’re spending playing. The best way to hone your skills is by signing up for training sites, networking with successful pros and brutally analyzing your play after every session.

Online players are required to abide by the same rules and regulations as those at their hometown poker room. Some online poker sites may require additional documentation to verify the identity of their new players, but this is normal and a quick process. Once a player is verified, they can begin to play.

There are a variety of poker games to choose from, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha. In Texas Hold’em, each player receives two private cards and combines them with five community cards to form the best hand. Omaha, on the other hand, has the same structure but only four community cards are dealt.

Learning to read opponents is an essential skill in poker. Although not as physical as reading tells at a live table, you can still learn to size up your opponents by looking at their betting patterns and tendencies. This will help you to make the right decisions and improve your odds of winning a poker game.