Getting started with online poker can be a daunting task. The first thing you need to do is create an account. You’ll also need to download the appropriate software. This shouldn’t take long.

To play for real money, you’ll need to deposit funds. Some sites allow you to make payments via PayPal, a check or even wire transfer. Depending on where you live, the withdrawal process may vary.

There are a few free sites out there that offer poker tournaments. These are a great way to win real money. If you’re a beginner, it may be a good idea to start with a site that has a good reputation.

You should also be prepared to play at least two tables at a time. Having a second table to fall back on will help you stay focused on your good hand.

Another helpful tip is to check out the stats from your session. This will give you a good idea of your winnings and losses. You can find out how many times you hit a flop and how many times you went to the showdown.

You should also set a budget for your poker playing. This will help you decide how much money you want to put into the game. Ideally, you should have at least twenty to thirty buy-ins to start. For tournaments, you should have at least fifty buy-ins.

The best way to learn about the different variations of the game is to go with a site that offers a comprehensive guide to the games. There are some books out there that cover the basics, but you’ll probably want to spend more time looking for a good strategy guide.