The poker site played a major role in increasing the popularity of poker, already one of the most popular card games. Not only did it allow players from all over the world to play with each other, it also offered lower limits, fewer risks, and faster game play. It comes as no surprise that online poker has become the fastest-growing section of the internet gambling industry over the last two years.

If you’re new to online poker, don’t worry—most sites offer tutorials to help out new players. For starters, check out Doing Poker, a poker site and community offering a comprehensive introduction and tutorial for beginners. These tips might also come in handy:

Play with “free money”. Free money play is a game mode in which you bet virtual instead of real money.  Sites usually offer this option to beginners so they can practice without putting anything at stake. It’s also a great choice if you want to try out new moves or just want to play for fun. Since there is no risk involved, you can experiment with different strategies which you can use in actual games.

 Read the site rules. Go over the poker site policies and make sure you meet their requirements. Some sites require a membership fee, while others are free for all. Take extra care in reading their security policy; a good poker site should have security features in place to protect your identity and account information.

Know the limits. Online poker rooms generally have lower limits than their traditional counterparts. Limits can be as low a $0.01 in a typical poker site, while a brick and mortar casino can set it at up to $2. Of course, the lower the limit, the less risk there is for you.

Play within your level. Most poker sites offer beginner to advanced game rooms to help you find players within your skill level. If you’re new to the game, start playing with fellow novices and simply move up the ranks as you get better. On some sites the advanced rooms are exclusive to senior members, or those who have reached a required number of games. Again, read the site policies to learn more.

Check the system requirements. You may be required to install a plug-in or separate software to be able to play the game. The site can usually detect whether you have the software, and direct you to a free download if you don’t. Also, online poker runs best on a high-speed internet connection. If you are on dial-up or simply have a slow connection, look for sites that offer a low-resolution alternative. These will have fewer images and features, but your game will go smoother and faster.