Online poker is a game of skill over the long run and requires dedication. It can also be expensive if you don’t manage your bankroll properly or play aggressively. It’s important to start low and work your way up the stakes gradually, and to always monitor your wins and losses. This will help you stay on track and avoid over-extending.

To start playing poker online, you must create an account with a trusted gambling site that uses secure encryption to protect your personal information. Next, you must deposit funds into your account. You can use several methods to do this, including credit cards and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Once you have deposited money, you’re ready to play.

Then, you can navigate the poker lobby and select a table to join. It’s a good idea to stick with one table to begin with and familiarize yourself with the unique aspects of online poker before attempting multi-tabling. You’ll also want to ensure that you’re using the best tools available for your poker game, including hand odds calculators and training videos.

Poker is a game that often involves making big decisions in tight situations, so it’s important to be able to think quickly and make decisions based on the information you have at hand. It’s also crucial to have a short memory and not obsess over bad beats, coolers or suckouts. Rather, focus on making the right decisions over and over again, and the math will take care of itself in the long run.