Online poker has come a long way since it was first conceived in the back rooms of smoky bars and casinos. It took until 2000 and an accountant from Tennessee to elevate it to a more mainstream level but now most people who play this game do so on a regulated site which has been licensed and vetted. This is important because it is not just about playing a game but also being able to trust the site to hold your money in a secure manner. This is achieved through having a user account that is separate from operator and casino funds and offering multiple methods for depositing and cashing out.

The best online poker sites have a free game option for players to learn the rules and practice their skills. This is a great way to see if the game really appeals to you. Then when you’re ready to start making real money be sure to play responsibly and set limits for wins and losses. This will ensure that you don’t go broke.

Another thing to keep in mind when starting to play online poker is that it’s a game of skill not luck. There are many different strategies and tactics that can be used to improve one’s chances of winning and the top players are constantly honeing their skills. They are always looking to gain an edge over their competition by learning more, observing other players and using the best poker training sites available.