When you play poker online, you’re competing against other players. Your objective is to win the highest number of chips by forming winning hands. There are many different types of poker games, but most people only play Texas Hold’em online, which is also called holdem.
It’s important to play at sites that offer secure banking and use blockchain-based software for fair shuffling. These features ensure that your money is safe and that you’re able to withdraw funds when you win. In addition, you want to make sure that you’re playing in a distraction-free environment. Watching television, talking on the phone or surfing the web can lead to mistakes that will cost you big.
A good online poker site will offer a variety of games, from tournaments to sit-and-gos (smaller, faster tournaments). It should have high traffic numbers and a top rakeback deal. It should also have modern, fast-loading software and a customizable user interface that’s easy to navigate. If you’re an experienced live player, consider starting with a micro stakes game to get familiar with the software and the pace of play.
While movies make a big deal about body language tells in poker, the reality is that your best read on an opponent will come from their betting patterns. You can try to figure out how often they’re calling, raising and folding by watching their bet sizes. If they’re constantly calling, it’s likely that they’re value betting and bluffing very rarely.