Online poker allows players to play at any time of day or night against opponents from around the world. There are thousands of ring games available at stakes from micro to nosebleed high, as well as countless tournaments with buy-ins that range from free up to thousands of dollars. Whether you’re looking to play for fun or make a living from the game, there is a huge amount of information and strategy to learn.

The first step in learning poker is getting comfortable with the mechanics of the game. This includes understanding how to deal cards, what the betting order is and how to read your opponents’ behavior. It is recommended to start with low-stakes games, which will help you get accustomed to the pace and environment without risking significant amounts of money.

Positioning is another important factor in online poker. Depending on where you are seated, you will act differently during each round of betting. For example, being on the button is advantageous because you act last and can observe your opponents’ betting patterns before making a decision. Being on the blinds, on the other hand, is disadvantageous as you act before any of your opponents and are vulnerable to being called by a strong hand.

It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the rules of different poker variations, such as Omaha, 7-Card Stud and Lowball. Learning these additional rules will further improve your skill level and allow you to compete against players with a wider range of hands.