How to Play Online Poker

Online poker is a game that requires several skills to be successful. A good player must be disciplined and persevere, as well as have sharp focus and a high level of confidence in their abilities. They must also be able to choose the appropriate limits and games for their bankroll. Having friends who are skilled poker players can be very helpful as they can run hand histories by them and give them feedback.

One of the most important things to remember when playing poker online is that the hands come at you much faster than in a live game. There is no downtime while cards are being shuffled and dealt, and there is no idle chatter or raucous laughter at the table. This can lead to frustration when you go through a dry spell, and it is easy to make bad decisions as a result.

In addition, there is less information available when playing poker online. The only information you have about your opponents is their betting history, and this is not as useful when trying to bluff. As a result, it is important to have a solid strategy and to stick with it no matter what. This includes understanding starting hands and the rank of each. For example, a pair of eights with an ace kicker is a good starting hand in late position when facing a strong draw. You should also learn to play marginal hands as they can be decent bluffs in the right situation.