When playing poker online, you must choose a site that is licensed and uses top-notch security measures to protect your personal information. The best sites also have extensive support options like live chat, email and phone to assist you when necessary. They also offer a wide variety of games and tournaments, which makes them a great choice for both neophytes and experienced players alike.

Aside from the security, you should look for a site that offers an excellent user experience. The platform should be intuitive and easy to use, with a search function and categories to help you find what you’re looking for. You’ll also want to make sure that the site is mobile-friendly so you can play on the go.

Online poker is regulated in all states that allow it, so you can be sure that your money and personal information are safe. The best sites have strict rules and regulations to prevent fraud and maintain fair play for all participants. The sites also feature a secure connection and encryption to protect your information.

Online poker requires a slightly different set of skills than offline poker. In offline poker, you can read a player’s tells, like every twitch of their nose or dart of their eye. Online, you must rely on timing to see if a player is bluffing or betting for value. It’s also important to understand variance, which is the chance that your big hand will lose sometimes.