Online poker takes the classic card game to a whole new level. It is available to anyone with a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. Players can play for real money or simply to practice and hone their skills. The stakes can range from free games to satellite entries into major live tournaments. Online poker is highly regulated in the states that offer it and strict consumer protections exist to protect player funds and data.

There are a wide variety of software programs to help with online poker play. These include hand databases that save, sort and recall poker hands along with software that scans active tables for known players and displays previous statistics next to their name (known as a heads up display or HUD). There are also programs that provide odds, equity or variance calculators for specific hands.

Aside from the various software programs to help with online play, many online poker sites offer a number of other useful tools for their players. These include the ability to multi-tabble. While this may seem intimidating to the uninitiated it is actually quite simple and allows players to make a good profit by doubling their earnings. This is a huge advantage over brick and mortar casinos where it is generally physically impossible to play at more than one table at the same time.

Another helpful tool is the ability to read tells. This is an important skill in live poker and most players have probably read Mike Caro’s famous book on tellings at least once. However, reading tells is a little more difficult in online poker since the players are not actually sitting at the same table and their physical actions or changes in demeanor can often be confused with bluffing moves.

Lastly, most online poker sites will offer players the option to choose their tables based on their skill levels. This is a great way for new players to find a comfortable place to start. However, it is important for players to realize that despite these options for finding a good table it is still necessary to play the game well in order to win.

As online poker continues to grow in popularity, more and more players are looking to the web for a better way to play their favorite card game. While there are a number of popular international sites that offer the opportunity to play, online poker is becoming more of a regional game with different regions offering their own unique variations on the classic card game.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a dramatic increase in traffic at many online poker sites, as people who normally prefer live action have moved online. The fact that the games are available on almost any device, at any time of day and with no need to travel to a casino or other venue is likely playing a large part in this surge. There are even some sites that specialize in offering games for people who have never played before, enabling them to learn the game and start winning big without risking any of their own money.