If you’re thinking about playing poker online, you should consider the game’s rules and the types of players you will encounter. Online poker games feature the same basic rules as live poker: a dealer deals each player two hole cards and four community cards that are shared by all the players. Each player must make the best poker hand combination in order to win the pot, which is the total amount of money that all players wagered during a given hand.

One characteristic of winning players is aggression. Aggressive play can help you gain an advantage over weaker opponents who only rely on reactive moves. It is also important to balance aggressive moves with solid strategy. This balanced approach is what truly separates the pros from casual players.

When starting out in an online poker game, it’s best to begin at a low stake level. This will allow you to experiment with various strategies without risking too much money. In addition, playing at a low stakes will also reduce the financial stress associated with poker, making it easier to focus on improving your decision-making and learning from your mistakes.

Another important aspect of successful poker play is understanding math. You must understand your opponent’s range and know how to calculate odds. This will enable you to make better decisions in the future, and it is especially useful when making pre-flop calls. For example, you should always be aware of the probability that your opponent will improve to a flush on the river.