Poker is a game of skill, and while there are strategies you can use to improve your chances of winning, it’s important to remember that there is still the potential to lose money. That’s why it’s important to only play with money you can afford to lose, and to always keep improving your skills.

Online poker is a very different experience from live games. There are no distractions such as raucous laughter or idle chatter. Moreover, you will see twice as many hands an hour playing online, so it’s easy to get frustrated if your luck is not going well. This can lead to poor decisions.

It’s also important to only play at tables with players of similar skill level. This will force you to start thinking about position, calculating pot odds and assigning ranges, all of which are vital components of basic strategy. This will also help you avoid making bad mistakes like limping too often.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to try different sites and software. Some poker sites are better than others, and it’s worth taking the time to find one that fits your needs and preferences. Likewise, some software tools can be extremely useful in the early stages of your online poker career. For example, a tool that lets you make notes on your opponents’ bets can be very helpful in understanding the range of possible hands they have. It’s also a good idea to limit yourself to playing at only one table at a time when you are new to online poker. This will prevent sensory overload and allow you to concentrate on making the right call.