Online poker is a game of skill, and players need to learn the rules and strategies before they start playing. Luckily, poker is a popular game and there are plenty of resources available, including books, websites, videos, and even online courses. Some of these resources are free, while others may require a small fee to use.

The first step in learning to play online poker is finding a site where you can participate. The best sites offer a variety of games and tournaments with buy-ins from a few cents to thousands of dollars. The top sites also offer secure deposits and fast withdrawals. They also accept a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, prepaid vouchers, and web wallets.

Once you’ve found a site, sign up and begin playing. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure that you’re familiar with the rules of the game and any restrictions that apply. Then, practice with free play games to get a feel for the gameplay before you start betting real money.

To improve your poker skills, consider hiring a coach to identify and fix any leaks in your strategy. Alternatively, join a group of like-minded players to share tips and tricks. Some sites also offer forums or discussion boards where players can discuss hands and compare notes. There are also a number of software programs that can help you improve your game, such as hand history trackers and odds, equity, and variance calculators.