Poker is a game that requires a lot of study and analysis to beat. The top pros spend almost as much time studying the game as they do playing it. They sign up for training sites, network with successful pros and brutally analyze their own decisions after every session. These things give them a significant edge over their opponents.
When playing online poker, it is important to limit the number of tables you are running at once. This will allow you to focus on each hand and make the best decision possible. It will also prevent you from experiencing sensory overload which can result in bad calls and suboptimal decisions.
Another important aspect of online poker is learning how to spot tells. These can be physical tells in live games but often they are behavioral tells in an online environment. For example, if an opponent is prone to folding when bluffed against you, this can be used to your advantage in the future.
It is also vital to play within your bankroll. This will keep you from becoming discouraged by the big swings in results and prevent you from making impulsive decisions that can lead to a big loss. It is also a good idea to play at stakes that are comfortable for you when you first start out as this will help you concentrate on the game rather than your bankroll. This will increase your chances of winning in the long run.