Just getting started with online poker? Well fear not, here are a few great tips to help beginners feel more comfortable with online poker. Remember, there's thousands of beginners playing poker online right now so you are not alone.

1. Play for Free
The best online poker sites allow you to download and start playing for free within minutes. You don't have to give any credit card info and there are no time limits - you can play online poker for free as much as you want, and that's a darn good way to learn to play. Below are some of the best online poker sites that allow unlimited free play.

Most of the players playing on the free tables are beginners and of course those that just love to play but prefer not to play for money. (nothing wrong with that!) Sit at a free table and just play. Don't be foolish with your betting, but don't sweat it either, it's play money and there's plenty more where it came from. Below are some more quick tips for getting started playing online poker.

• If you don't already, get to know the game, the rules and of course poker hand strength like second nature. My favorite is Texas Hold'em which is what the Pros mostly play, and it's a very easy game.
   

• Watch the World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker on TV. It's amazing how much you can learn from watching these guys. The commentators add good insight as well.
   

• Read a good poker book or two. Super System by Doyle Brunson is a great book and one of the most popular recommendations by the Pros - but perhaps a bit complex for beginners. Mike Caro's - Caro's Fundamental Secrets Of Winning Poker" is a terrific first read for those looking for an edge.
   

• Play lots and lots of online poker. If you are playing with free money, don't be afraid to try some different strategies - even if you lose, it's better to mess around there than for real money.
   

Don't Just Play - Win
Since the free online poker tables consist of lots of beginners, but also lots of people very careless with their betting (mostly because they are beginners playing with free money) if you really set your mind to it you should be able to win a lot of free money just by taking advantage of the cannons at your table. Whoop-dee-doo - it's just fake money, but that's OK - it's a great place to learn to beat others at poker. Think of it as hitting golf balls at the driving range.

Don't just look at your cards - watch the other players. When you fold, don't check your email - pay attention - learn what your opponents are willing to bet on, learn who will bluff and who won't. You will see who knows how to bet and who does not, who will bluff, but then chickens out, and you will see who will only bet holding a pair of aces. The free tables are loaded with "obvious people" - otherwise called "fish" so it's good practice to not only learn how to spot them - but how to take their chips.

Have Fun
Online poker is no different than real poker - you are going to lose hands. Even when you do everything right, you will lose hands. You will also make goofy mistakes. The key is to realize and accept this fact, and try to keep it to a minimum. Learn from your mistakes and keep playing.