Online poker blurs the lines between recreational players and those who are out to make a living from the game. It can be played for the smallest stakes and even for satellite entries into the world’s biggest live tournaments. As a result, it’s important to understand the rules and nuances of the game before you play. Fortunately, there is an abundance of educational resources from basic strategy to video tutorials with the top pros.

Before deciding to join an online poker site it’s important to consider the skill level of other players and the overall quality of the poker room. It’s also advisable to check the software used by the poker site as well as customer support options. A good site will provide a user-friendly interface and offer 24/7 customer support via email, phone or chat.

One of the best things about online poker is that it allows you to play multiple tables at once. This allows you to maximize your profits and work on your skills at a fraction of the cost of going out to a real casino. If you’re new to poker it’s always judicious to start with small stakes and gradually increase them as you gain confidence in your abilities.

Advanced online poker players look beyond their own cards and try to predict what other opponents might have. This is known as a range and it’s an essential part of improving your game. By learning to read your opponents and anticipate their reactions you’ll be able to make better calls that maximize your chances of winning.