When playing poker online, there are many things that can affect your game. These can include how well you understand the game’s rules, your emotional control, and whether you’re prepared to deal with variance. The good news is that if you understand these factors, you can improve your chances of winning.

First, choose a reputable poker site. Check that it is licensed by a gaming commission and has top-of-the-line security measures in place. It should also offer a variety of payment methods. It’s a good idea to try out the software and games before making a deposit. If possible, look for a site that offers free games and tournaments so that you can practice before spending money.

One of the most important aspects of poker is understanding the concept of variance. This is the difference between your expected winnings and your actual winnings. Variance is inevitable and even the best players experience bad beats from time to time. This can be very frustrating, but it’s essential to keep your emotions in check and remember that variance is part of the game.

Another key aspect of poker is knowing how to read the tells of your opponents. While this is much easier to do at a live table, online poker requires a different skill set. Rather than reading physical tells, you must watch the way that your opponents react to their hands to learn how they play. You can also develop quick instincts by watching other experienced players and imagining how you’d react to their situations.

Once you’ve found a reputable poker site, it’s time to start playing. The number of tables you play at once will greatly impact the quality of your decision-making, so it’s important to limit your number of tables. Ideally, you should play no more than three or four tables at once. This will allow you to focus on each hand and make better decisions.

If you’re a beginner, you should stick to strong starting hands, like AKs, AQs, and KQs, and avoid marginal hands like 2-2 and 3-3 in late position. This strategy will help you to disguise your weakness and exploit your opponent’s weaknesses.

A final point about poker online is to choose your bet sizes carefully. It’s best to bet small when bluffing and large when betting for value. This will confuse your opponents and prevent them from being able to pick up on your betting patterns. It’s also a good idea to use different bet sizes when playing a hand, as this will vary your odds of winning.