First, make sure you check out all promotions out there BEFORE you sign up with a poker room. From promotions like Rakeback (where you get back a percentage of rake from each pot) to free poker money. You need to get the best deal out there.

However, after you've picked a deal and a room, don't deposit just yet. I made the mistake of trying to deposit a large amount but because I was a new account they would only let me deposit $50 which is a very small amount. Most big poker rooms offer a 100% matching deposit bonus. What does this mean? The more money you deposit the first time, the more money they will match.

Think about it. Would you rather have a popular room like Full Tilt Poker match $50 or $600?? What you should do is e-mail the cashier of the poker room and ask them to increase your initial deposit limit. Get the most value for your deposit, and that means making as big of a deposit as possible.