Whether it’s for fun, for cash or for satellite entry into some of the world’s greatest live poker tournaments playing poker online is a popular pastime that rewards real skill. However, to make a living at this game you’ll need a high level of dedication and commitment. The best players know that it’s not just about making money but also about smart game selection and bankroll management.

Online poker can be a very fast paced game especially in turbo Sit ’n Go’s or speedy cash games. With hands coming in three times as fast as they do in live play it’s easy to get frustrated and play marginal hands. This leads to the dreaded downswings that are so common when playing poker online. Fortunately, the best players understand this and don’t let these downswings discourage them from continuing to improve their game.

Another important aspect of poker online is understanding how to bluff properly. In a live game you can see your opponent and pick up on their body language and conversation to help determine if they are bluffing or not but this is not always possible when playing poker online. The best poker players learn to use the information they have available including their betting history and bet size to bluff successfully.

One of the biggest obstacles when learning to play poker is developing a short memory. It’s not uncommon to have a bad run in poker and it can be discouraging, but the best players learn to bounce back quickly.