When you’re playing poker online, you can choose the stakes that fit in your budget and don’t feel too overwhelming. This allows you to focus on the game and improve your decision making rather than worrying about how much money you’re spending. It also gives you the chance to practice bluffing against players who have seen all your tells – every twitch of the nose, dart of the eye and subtle body movement that might be giving away a lie.

Another important aspect of playing poker online is knowing the math behind pot odds. These are the ratios of the size of the pot to the cost of your call, and they help you determine whether or not a particular bet is profitable. The best online players have a solid understanding of pot odds and use them to their advantage when calling bets or raising their own.

A trademark of winning poker players is their aggression. Having this is an essential skill in online play, as you’re not going to have the same benefits that come with playing live. You’ll likely find that you’re being called a lot more often and that you’re more susceptible to bluffs – but it’s all part of the experience.

Having skilled poker players in your circle is always a good idea, no matter what form of poker you’re playing. They can run hand histories by you, give you feedback and be a shoulder to lean on after some tough sessions. And having friends who play poker online can be especially useful, as they can share tips and strategies with you.