Online poker is a popular and lucrative game that can earn players handsomely over time. But only if they play intelligently, take the time to learn the nitty gritty and apply their knowledge consistently.

Most online poker sites are highly regulated by governments and financial bodies which ensures that games are fair and that players’ account funds and information are protected. In addition, players must be at least 18 or 21 years old to play online poker in the US. The good news is that there are a growing number of legal, reputable, regulated online poker sites.

To get started with online poker players first need to download the software. The programs demand a relatively modest amount of memory and shouldn’t be too large to download even on the slowest connections. Most sites also offer no-download versions of their software that work on any computer.

Once downloaded, the poker client will ask players to create a user account. They will then have to verify their identity and provide proof of age. Once this has been done poker players can start playing real money games.

The software will allow players to easily find games based on their skill levels and budget. They can also filter games to see only tournaments, sit & go’s and the like. It is also possible to play multiple tables at once. This allows for greater levels of strategy and concentration than would be possible in live games where it is common to find players of all abilities at the same table.

Another great feature of poker software is the ability to track a player’s results. This gives them an idea of how well they are performing and what they can improve on. This is especially helpful for newer players who might be unsure of their performance. Most sites have their own built-in poker tracker but there are several free third party programs available too.

Aside from tracking players’ success, poker software can help them refine their game. For example, poker solvers can be used to analyze a hand in a given situation and produce the optimal play. This is an extremely useful tool for players who want to make sure they are always maximizing their profits. The software will also show how much variance a player has in their winnings and losses.

Online poker has one significant drawback – the bad beats. The vast amount of hands that are dealt online means there will be more bad beats than in live games. This can be a bit demoralizing but it is important for players to remember that the mathematics will sort things out in the long run.

In order to be a successful online poker player, players need to develop a short memory and keep learning and improving. This is the only way to succeed in such a competitive and lucrative environment. It is also vital to stick with a strategy that works, regardless of what happens at the table.