You’re a master of poker at your regular home game, you do well in the casino, but when you play online it all goes pear-shaped. Why? There’s a lot to consider, but the most important thing is to understand what it is that makes online poker so different from live games. Then you can take steps to overcome those differences and become an online poker player that’s profitable and satisfying.

The first thing you need to do is get your bankroll in order. That involves setting a budget, understanding poker as entertainment rather than a money-making opportunity, and monitoring your wins and losses. This will allow you to enjoy poker without putting yourself in financial stress.

It’s also a good idea to choose a reputable online poker site. This will ensure that you’re dealing with a legitimate company that follows strict regulatory guidelines. Look for a site that offers a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards. Also, be sure to check out the game selection and bonus options.

Once you’ve set up your bankroll and chosen a site, you’re ready to start playing poker online. The rules are the same as those in a live game, but there are some additional factors to keep in mind. For example, you’ll need to know how to read an opponent’s betting tendencies. In addition, it’s helpful to have a good grasp of game theory, including the principles of position and pot odds.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that poker is still a game of chance, and there’s always a possibility you’ll lose your hard-earned cash. For that reason, you should never gamble with money that you can’t afford to lose. It’s also essential to play within your limits, and to recognize the risk of developing a gambling addiction.

Another important tip is to limit yourself to one table at a time. There’s a lot going on at an online poker table, and if you play too many tables at once it can be overwhelming. Additionally, it’s difficult to get a feel for your opponents if you’re juggling multiple tables.

The best online poker strategy is to play only strong hands, particularly pocket pairs and suited connectors. These types of hands usually perform very well on the flop, and they can be bluffed with great success if you’re in position. You should also be familiar with the hand rankings, as this will help you make better decisions when deciding to call or fold. Also, it’s helpful to understand the concept of pot odds, which is the ratio of the size of a pot to the cost of a call.