The minimum computer requirements for online poker are not particularly high and you can use any computer with a basic operating system to play. It also does not require much memory, so even a computer that was made in the mid-2000s can be adequate. You can also play online poker on your smart phone or tablet if you prefer. There are real-money poker apps for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.
As far as safety is concerned, you must be of legal age to play online poker. This usually means that you must be at least 18 years old. However, if you are below the legal age in your jurisdiction, you may be required to provide an age verification form. You should only play at sites that allow you to do so.
If you are just starting out, a good tip to get the most out of your online poker experience is to familiarize yourself with poker basics. Some of the best books on the subject include Harrington on Hold’em and Super/System. If you prefer to play without buying books, you can also check out free online strategy sites for tips and advice.
Another important tip when playing online poker is to track your results. This will help you know where you’re winning and where you’re losing. Most online poker sites will allow you to do this. After each session, you should check your session stats to see your progress and the percentage of your winnings. You should pay particular attention to your win rate, number of flops you saw, and how many times you went to showdown.
Another advantage of online poker is that it can be faster than live poker. As a result, some online poker players prefer it over live poker because live poker can get boring. Online poker tables can deal up to 60 hands per hour, and even more during short-handed games. You can also play multiple tables at once for more speed.
There are several types of software to play online poker. Among these are hand database programs that save the hand histories of online players and show odds, equity, and variance. These programs are helpful for new players as they can help them understand how winning hands are determined. To use them, you simply need to input the cards of the players, opponents, and board cards.
There are also mobile versions of online poker. This is an excellent choice if you don’t have a PC with the right operating system. Many online poker sites offer mobile poker applications. They are generally scaled-down versions of the downloadable software and can be played on most mobile devices. The software typically uses Adobe Flash, which means that it is compatible with a variety of platforms.
The major online poker sites offer various features that entice new players. For example, some of these sites host satellite tournaments that give winners entry into real poker tournaments. A famous example of this was Chris Moneymaker, who won the World Series of Poker by winning a satellite tournament. This caused a sensation in the poker world. The 2004 WSOP attracted more than three times the number of players as the 2003 tournament. In addition to Moneymaker, four other players at the final table had won their entries through online poker cardrooms.