Getting started with online poker is relatively easy. You don’t need a big computer or a lot of money. Once you sign up and create an account, you can access free games and tournaments.

Some online poker websites have more advanced anti-fraud measures than others. These include the ability to detect and cancel player logins. The company may also require age verification. You can also choose to play in cash games or tournaments. Withdrawals can be made via cheque or wire transfers.

The first step in getting started is to download the appropriate software. Most sites have a “quick start” option that lets you select the amount of players, stakes, and game type.

The game isn’t difficult, but it does require a bit of skill. The best players know how to read their opponents’ moves and make their best bet. The poker site also has the ability to check the computer IP address of each player. This can reveal multiple players from the same location.

The UIGEA forced many U.S.-based poker sites to close their doors, but the unregulated market flourished after Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 World Series of Poker.

The best way to get started is to find a poker site that offers the games you want. Some sites have freerolls for specific groups or clubs. Others give away free chips or tournament entry tickets.

It’s a good idea to play as many hands as you can in the first few weeks. After all, practice makes perfect. You should also track your performance in each session to determine where you are winning and where you are losing. This includes how often you go to showdown and how many flops you see.