How to Choose an Online Poker Site
Online poker is a card game that can be played on a computer, tablet or mobile device. It is popular in the US and has grown tremendously since its introduction two decades ago. Its popularity has fueled the growth of the game in many states and is now poised for an even more explosive expansion as more people play it and more states legalize it.
Players can choose to play for free or for real money at an online poker site. The games can range from the smallest stakes to satellite entries into live tournaments around the world. Some online poker sites also offer rakeback and other promotions to attract new players.
A good poker site should have software that is easy to use and offers fast action. It should have games running in the limits and formats that you prefer to play and should also be able to handle large volumes of traffic. In addition, it should have customer service that is responsive to your questions.
Another important factor in choosing an online poker site is its reputation for fairness. Most sites have random number generators that are tested and verified by independent third parties to ensure they are fair and honest. These tests are critical for maintaining a healthy poker eco-system and to protect recreational players.
Online poker rooms should have a lobby that is easily navigated and clearly categorized by Cash Games, Tournaments, Sit & Go’s and whatever special format games the site runs. It should also be easy to filter by game type and stakes to find the right games for you.
Most online poker rooms allow players to play multiple tables at the same time. This allows them to play a large volume of hands and improve their skills more quickly. The software usually shows each table in a separate window on the screen and can be moved between tables easily. A good online poker room will also let you know when it is your turn to act and will automatically raise the blinds when you are out of position.
Tournaments online are a great way to make money in the game. They follow the same structure as in-person tournaments with breaks and levels, but everything happens on your computer screen. You can play for free or for real money and often win big prizes like cars, electronics and vacations. If you have a lot of time on your hands and are interested in learning more about the game, consider taking an online poker course to learn how to play.
There was a time in the not too distant past when the contrast between live and online poker players was quite stark. It was common to hear stories of live pros venturing into online and not doing very well, complaining that it wasn’t “real” poker. However, today there is much more overlap and most top players do both play live and online poker.