When playing poker online you need to be able to size up your opponent without the physical tells that you would get at a live game. This is where studying betting history and observing players is key. Knowing how to read the betting of a player and what type of hand they are holding can help you determine their strength, allowing you to better play against them.
When you are playing poker online, it can be easy to become distracted. You can have the TV on in the background, music playing or even friends and family around who are chatty and wanting your attention. This can cause you to make bad decisions and lose money. This is why it is important to eliminate as many distractions as possible and treat poker like a business.
Managing your poker bankroll is crucial when playing poker online. This includes setting a budget, understanding poker as entertainment and not a money making opportunity, monitoring your wins and losses and playing within your means. It is also important to understand poker etiquette and respect the other players at your table.
A good poker site will allow you to choose the stakes you are comfortable with and when starting out it is a good idea to play at a lower level. The best sites will also offer a variety of poker variations and have solid mobile offerings, so that you can play from anywhere. The traffic of a poker site is another indication of legitimacy as well, so look for sites that have consistent action.