Poker is a game of chance, but the game can be played intelligently and with strategy to minimize risk. If you’re serious about learning poker, consider taking a training course or at least watching instructional/strategy poker videos on Youtube and Twitch to get familiar with the rules, hand rankings and basic strategies.

Once you’ve got a handle on the rules and rankings, start playing for real money. While play money games are fine (and good for building your bankroll), you’ll want to move up to real-money tables as soon as possible so that you can begin calculating pot odds, reading boards and assigning ranges. Real money online poker can be a great way to learn, and you’ll find that the experience is not too different from in-person games.

There are many different ways to deposit and withdraw money from poker sites. Most poker rooms accept credit and debit cards, e-wallets and various banking services depending on the country you’re in.

The best poker sites will offer fast and easy deposits and withdrawals. You’ll also find that they’re safe and secure. Look for a secure SSL encryption and a customer support team that is available around the clock to answer any questions you might have.

After a week of coffee-fueled cash games and late-night turbo tournaments on shaky Wi-Fi, I found that three poker sites stood out from the crowd. Ignition is a clean, reliable place for new players to park their bankroll, while Everygame and America’s Cardroom offer excellent poker software and tourney structures.