If you’re new to poker online, it can be tempting to play for free, or for very small stakes. However, if you’re looking to improve and enjoy the game more, you need to play for real money. This puts you at risk of losing your money, but also makes the experience a lot more exciting. It forces you to start considering position, calculating pot odds, and evaluating ranges when making your decisions.
If possible, you should choose a site that is regulated in your jurisdiction or country. This ensures that you are protected against fraud, that the games are fair, and that your money is safe. The best poker sites will have a wide selection of games, great customer support, and generous bonuses. They will also have several ways for you to deposit and withdraw money.
When playing for real money, you should set a bankroll and stick to it. This will help you avoid making bad decisions and will keep your emotions in check. It’s also important to remember that poker is a game of chance, and there are no guarantees. You need to be patient and understand that the good times will come and go.
You should also eliminate any distractions while playing poker online. You won’t see top athletes distracted when they are on their game day, and the same should be true for poker players. Eliminate the TV, music, family, friends, and phones that can all distract you from focusing on the game at hand.