Online poker is a card game played via the internet by players around the world. The game is popular for many reasons, including the fact that it is convenient, fast-paced, and can be played from a wide variety of devices. In addition, the game offers players the opportunity to play in a variety of stakes and tournament formats.

In order to play online poker, you will need a computer or mobile device and a reliable internet connection. Once you have these, you will need to register with an online poker operator. You will be required to provide personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number to ensure that you are of legal age to wager money. You will also be asked to create a username and password and agree to the site’s terms of service. You will then need to fund your account using a payment method that is accepted by the site.

While the rules of poker are the same whether you’re playing at your local casino or in the comfort of your own home, online poker requires a slightly different set of skills. Instead of sizing up opponents by reading their physical tells, online poker players must rely on statistics and software output to get an edge over their competitors. This can make the game more difficult for some players who are not prepared for the ups and downs of the mathematical game.