Poker is a game that requires thought and concentration. The top players spend as much time studying their game as they do playing it. They learn poker strategy, network with other professional players and brutally analyze their own play after each session. They also know that poker is a game of skill over the long haul and not one you can win unless you work on it consistently.

The first step is finding a poker website that offers real money games and uses top-of-the-line encryption methods for security. You should also check to see if the poker site is licensed and regulated by a reputable gaming commission. Once you’ve found a trusted site, you can start depositing money and playing poker. Make sure to choose a poker site that has a wide variety of tournaments and cash games.

One of the biggest challenges to online poker is getting accustomed to the interface. Unlike at your home game or local casino, there are no physical tells to read – no twitch of the nose, dart of the eyes or subtle body movement. To become a profitable player, you must treat online poker seriously and eliminate all distractions.

Another challenge is making your opponent think twice about calling your bluff. The best way to do this is to vary your bet sizes. This is especially true when bluffing for value. You should never bet too big with your bluffs because your opponent will easily pick up on it.