Online poker takes the classic card game and cranks it up to a whole new level. Players can now play for the smallest stakes imaginable (literally pennies) or for giant prize pools. It can be played from desktop computers, laptops and phones and is available to all skill levels from beginner to professional.

The first step in playing poker is registering on an online poker site. This is done by entering some basic personal details and creating a username and password. Once the registration process is complete players can deposit funds into their accounts by selecting a method from the list of options provided.

Once the money has been added to an account it’s time to hit the tables. The lobby on a poker site is usually categorized by Cash Games, Tournaments and Sit & Go’s. Many sites also feature ‘beginner’ tables which are recommended for those just starting out as these tables will only seat you with other players who classify themselves as beginners, this drastically levels the field and helps new players to gain experience.

There are a variety of different poker games you can play but the most popular is No-Limit Texas Hold’em, this game is easy to learn and offers the chance to win huge sums of money for relatively small stakes. Some of the top sites even have satellites into major live events which can be a great way to get a shot at a massive prize pool.

Another important aspect of online poker is the bonuses and promotions that are on offer. Almost all online poker sites will offer some kind of sign-up bonus which is designed to give players extra value when they join. Generally this is a percentage of the amount you deposit into your account and is released to you in increments depending on how many hands you play. Some poker sites even release loyalty rakeback which can be a significant chunk of change for players who break even.

In addition to the bonuses and promotions poker sites also offer a wide variety of banking credit cards and methods for players to use to deposit and withdraw money. You should always choose a poker site that works with your preferred methods of payment.

When it comes to customer support online poker sites have really raised the bar on providing quick and helpful answers to queries. Most have support staff working around the clock to help players with any issues they may have. They also have dedicated social media channels which make it possible to contact a customer service agent directly at any time.

Despite all of these advances, the best online poker sites still have some work to do in terms of improving their software. Some of them still have slow and clunky software which can frustrate players, especially those used to the faster loading times on their favourite casino games. However, most of the top poker sites are working hard to keep their software up to date and this is something that all players should look for when choosing an online poker site.