# Online Game Play

In many respects playing online is very similar to playing a ring game or a tournament against computer opponents. However there are a number of differences.

### Game Starting

After joining a room you see the familiar poker table interface. The first step is to click on one of the empty seats that says "Select Seat" on it. If none of the seats have that on them then the room is full, or it is a tournament room where the tournament has already started.

### Chatting

Talking to your human opponents is a big part of the enjoyment of online games. Poker Academy lets you chat to people and have it appear in the transcript and, if you are seated, on the screen above your cards.

In online mode there is a text field underneath the transcript in the sidebar. Click there, type your message, and press Enter to send it to the other players. As an alternative to clicking in the text entry field you can press Tab (or any other key that you set using the Options > Edit Hot Keys... menu item) and then begin to type your message.

### Extra Action Buttons

You will notice that there are sometimes extra action buttons beyond the Fold, Call, Raise buttons which are available against the computer opponents.

Fold and Show
  Flashes your cards to the table before folding. This option only appears when your fold will end the hand.
Reveal Both
  Reveals both your cards to the table. This appears after you win uncontested.
Reveal Xx
  Reveals either your left or right hole card only. This appears after you win uncontested.