Online poker is a game where players place bets using chips, which represent their wagered money. This card game has become one of the most popular casino games and can be played at top online casinos or on standalone sites. Although luck is involved in the game, it is also possible to learn how to play poker and gain the necessary skills.

The best way to start playing online poker is with free play, which is offered on most websites and downloadable software. Free play will allow you to experience the game without risking your own money and can help you decide whether or not you want to make the move to paid play. Most online poker rooms will also offer a number of welcome bonuses and other promotions that can help you get started.

In order to begin playing online poker, you must sign up with an online poker room and create a username and password. Once your account is created, you can deposit funds into it using a credit or debit card. Most sites accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover while others may also allow you to pay with an ACH or bank wire transfer. Some sites will even let you deposit with cash through a prepaid card or at participating stores via PayNearMe.

When choosing an online poker site, it is important to consider its reputation and size. The bigger online poker sites tend to have higher player traffic numbers and will provide more challenging games. In addition, larger poker sites will typically have more advanced rules and a greater variety of game formats than smaller sites.