When you play poker online, you get to see a lot more hands per hour than you would playing at the local casino. This helps you improve your game much faster, especially if you take the time to analyze your mistakes and learn from your opponents’ tendencies. You’ll also have full access to all sorts of stats and numbers, making it easy to pinpoint areas of your game that need improvement.

Another important factor in improving your poker skills is knowing how to use basic strategy. This means being deliberate about which hands to play and understanding the ranges of your opponent’s calls after the flop. It’s also essential to consider your position and be able to calculate pot odds – the ratio of the size of the current pot to the cost of calling a bet.

While you’re learning to play poker, it’s a good idea to sign up for a training site like Chip Leader Coaching or Upswing Poker, or network with successful pros. You’ll also want to practice your mental game and have a short memory – bad beats, coolers, and suckouts are inevitable in poker. Staying calm and keeping your emotions in check is the best way to weather these stretches, while continuing to work on your game over the long term.

Lastly, make sure to pick a poker site that suits your playing needs and schedule. For instance, if you’re in Europe, choose an operator that has a good player base and tournaments during your usual hours of play. You should also look for poker sites that offer the best bonuses and promotions to help you build up your bankroll.