Poker is a game that’s heavily dependent on skill over the long run. This is why top players spend as much time studying the game as they do playing it. They sign up for training sites, network with successful pros and brutally analyze their own play after every session. This is the only way to continually improve and remain competitive in a game that requires so many skills.

The good news is that online poker has become increasingly popular. In addition, many poker sites are licensed in jurisdictions where it is legal to operate them. These poker sites have a large player base and offer competitive games, lucrative rakeback, bonuses, and other weekly promotions. They also host regular tournaments with prize pools in the thousands.

Signing up for an account at a poker site is generally a straightforward and painless process. The website will ask you to provide proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. This information is then verified against records in order to prevent unauthorized access to your account.

After you have signed up for an account at a poker site you can begin playing real money games. Most poker sites have a lobby that is categorized by Cash Games, Tournaments and Sit & Go’s. New players should start with Cash Games and then move on to Tournaments once they have the hang of the game speed and features. Most poker sites also have beginner tables which allow players to be seated with other newcomers to the game. This dramatically levels the playing field for beginners.