Whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out, online poker can be a great way to improve your game. In addition to being a great source of entertainment, it can also help you earn a little extra money. However, if you’re interested in getting started, you’ll need to set up an account with one of the many online poker sites. This may require you to download software from the operator’s site or use an app from the App Store. In some cases, you may be required to provide additional documentation to verify your identity.

For most online poker sites, the main draw is the signup bonus. These bonuses range from free money to huge cash prizes. Several sites even match your first deposit up to $100. Most of these offers require you to play, though, so you’ll want to make sure you choose wisely. Some sites offer free poker training sites to help you get started. Almost all sites offer signup bonuses, though, so make sure you don’t just sign up with the first one you see. You may also want to try third party sites. These may offer bigger bonuses, but oftentimes, they’ll require you to play on the site to qualify for the promotion.

Getting started with online poker requires you to first download a poker application onto your smartphone or tablet. Many sites offer a quick start option that allows you to select the type of game you want to play and the amount of money you’re willing to risk. You can also choose from a variety of cash game, sit and go, and tournament formats. Most sites allow you to play several tables at once. This makes it easy to play a variety of tables, which is great if you’re new to the game.

Another useful feature offered by most online poker sites is the ability to track your results. Tracking your results can help you determine whether you’re winning or losing, and can help you improve your strategy. You may also be able to find out if you’re playing against better opponents or worse. It’s also a good idea to look at your session stats after you’ve finished playing. You’ll want to pay attention to your win-rate, how many flops you saw, and how often you went to a showdown.

The best way to learn how to play poker is to sign up with a reputable poker training site or online poker coach. This will help you get started on the right foot, and you’ll also be able to network with some of the best pros in the game. These sites will also teach you the lingo and strategies needed to play poker successfully.

While it’s not a requirement, it’s also a good idea to create a PIN for your IRS tax return. This will help you protect your identity, and will be useful for life in general. There are many tax return scams, so it’s a good idea to be able to prove your identity if the IRS catches you.