Best Online Poker Sites to Play in 2026
Navigating the world of online poker can often feel overwhelming, especially with so many poker platforms and options available. US players frequently face challenges such as understanding the legal landscape, finding reputable poker rooms, and figuring out how to get started efficiently. That’s where this guide comes in. This article is designed specifically for US players and aims to make it easier for them to find the best online poker rooms and make informed decisions.
This page brings together online poker reviews, a brief evaluation of popular platforms, an overview of the current legal situation, and a step-by-step guide to getting started. You’ll also learn what we consider when compiling lists of suitable online poker sites, followed by a helpful FAQ section that answers common questions.
Top Online Poker Sites Reviewed
To make it easier for players to find top online poker rooms, we’ve gone through dozens of platforms. After thoroughly evaluating every option, we’ve come to the conclusion that the following five platforms are the most worthy of consideration.
CoinPoker: the most popular blockchain poker room
CoinPoker is built for players who prefer a crypto-first poker room with a clear blockchain identity. It is set up for deposits and withdrawals through crypto, and cash games are tied to stablecoins like USDT, which many players find easier to manage for regular play. The room also offers various promotions and rewards, including a 33% rakeback, further enhancing its appeal. When it comes to traffic, CoinPoker’s lobby stays active across the day, so you can find running tables and tournaments whether you prefer to play during peak times or at quieter hours. It is best suited to crypto-native players who want wallet-based banking and prefer a room where you can find action whenever you choose to play.
PokerKing: trusted site for real money games
PokerKing runs on the Winning Poker Network and appeals to players who want a real-money room built around cash poker games and tournaments rather than a casual, virtual-money setup. Its mobile app covers the essentials well, with NLHE, PLO8, 5-card PLO, plus Stud, MTTs, Sit & Gos, Blitz, and jackpot-style formats. It also supports up to four tables at once on mobile. On the cashier side, PokerKing lists multiple deposit routes, including four cryptocurrencies, and it highlights crypto and popular e-wallets among recommended withdrawal methods, with availability varying by location. It’s best for players who want steady MTT schedules, familiar lobby tools, and a cashier that spells out limits and timelines.
WPT Global: a wide range of poker variants online
WPT Global is one of the best online poker websites for players who want more than a steady diet of standard Hold’em. The lobby offers tournaments in multiple formats, including faster structures and knockouts, with variant options such as PLO and Short Deck appearing in the mix. That variety of poker games makes it easier to pick a game that fits your bankroll and the time you have for a session. The software feels modern, with a clean tournament lobby and a mobile poker experience that works well for quick play for real money. The room also positions itself around a simpler playing field that does not lean on third-party tools, which many casual players appreciate. Ultimately, it’s best for variant fans and tournament-focused players who value choice.
Americas Cardroom: crypto-friendly poker room with big tournaments
Americas Cardroom is often picked for its large tournament calendar and a cashier that leans heavily into crypto. On the MTT side, the room is known for headline series with big guarantees, including the Venom with a combined $10M GTD, split into an $8M NLH event and a $2M PLO event. You will also see broader festival-style schedules like the Online Super Series, with a $25M guaranteed prize pool across the series. “Crypto-friendly” here means familiar coins are supported for banking, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Tether, and Ethereum. For crypto withdrawals, ACR lists $50 to $10,000 limits, an average processing time under one hour, and frequency limits of one payout per day and five per week. Best for MTT grinders and players who want big series plus crypto banking.
BetOnline: well-known poker brand with fast Bitcoin & altcoin payments
BetOnline is a common pick for brand familiarity and an easy cashier, especially for players who prefer funding with crypto. The room supports a long list of coins, including BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT, USDC, and more. On payouts, BetOnline processes withdrawal requests within 24 hours, and many crypto methods start at a $20 minimum. New poker players can also take advantage of a 100% bonus on their first deposit from $50 to $1,000 using a POKER1000 promo code. The bonus releases in $5 increments for every $50 in contributed rake. It is also easy to get playing via browser, or through the downloadable app on iOS, Android, and PC. This room is best suited to players who want smooth onboarding, crypto-friendly banking, and steady everyday action.
Are Online Poker Sites Legal for US Players?
Online poker in the US is state-based, so whether you can play online poker for real money legally or not comes down to where you live. While state laws change quite frequently and no one can reliably predict when a new state will legalize or outright ban real money online poker, the table below can serve as a reference:
| Legal and Regulated | Explicitly Illegal | Unregulated |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia | Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, South Carolina, Utah, Washington | Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |
No matter which state you live in, make sure to verify the current status of online real money poker before you play poker online.
It is also worth noting that while Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island have legalized online poker, no state-licensed real-money online poker sites have launched yet.
Online Poker Sites for US Players
In addition to the top online poker sites for real money we’ve already covered, many American players also enjoy other platforms. Some of the most notable of them are:
How to Create an Online Poker Account and Start Playing
If poker online feels confusing at first, that is normal. Most beginners get stuck on the basics: where to sign up, what details matter during registration, how to complete verification, and which deposit method is least likely to create withdrawal friction later. This quick guide is here to get you playing without guesswork:
In the US, availability is tied to your state, so first confirm the site works from your location. Then open the Payments page and check which deposit and withdrawal methods are actually available on your account, along with limits and any fees for each option. Finally, scan the lobby to confirm the poker formats and tournaments you want to play are available.
Create your account by completing the registration form with your email address, phone number, password, and other required details. Most platforms will ask you to verify your email or phone number by sending a confirmation code via your chosen method.
To play poker for real money, you’ll need to complete KYC verification in your profile. This typically involves uploading ID and proof of address, and sometimes confirming your payment method. Completing this step early will help you avoid delays when withdrawing funds.
Turn on two-factor authentication, then set deposit or session-time limits that match your bankroll plan. This small step can prevent costly mistakes.
Use a method that can also be used for withdrawals when possible. If you deposit with crypto, double-check the network and wallet address. A small test transfer can save a lot of hassle.
Then, set up lobby filters for stakes and formats to avoid scrolling through endless menus.
Many new players start at micro stakes or low buy-in tournaments to learn the flow without putting too much at risk.
Online Poker Sites with the Highest Player Traffic
Poker traffic matters more than most new players expect. When comparing poker sites by player traffic, a busier lobby means faster table starts, a wider spread of stakes, and more tournament options with stronger guarantees. Below are popular poker sites where you can quickly find the best real money games without long waits.
Keep in mind traffic moves with time of day, day of week, and promotions, so a quick lobby check is always the best reality check.
How to access online poker traffic
The easiest way to understand poker traffic is to open the lobby and look at how much poker is actually running right now. The big “players online” number is less useful because the real question is simple: are there tables and tournaments at the stakes and formats you want?
What to check in the lobby:
- Cash games: how many tables are running at your stakes and how full they are.
- Open seats: lots of empty tables means slower action.
- Tournaments: how many players are registered and how fast the field is growing.
- Late registration: how much time is left to enter, which affects the field size.
- Network vs standalone: network rooms share one player pool across multiple sites, so tables fill faster.
- Time of day: evenings and weekends tend to be busier than weekday daytime.
What Bonus Types You’ll Find at Poker Sites
Poker bonuses come in several forms, and the same headline number can mean very different value in practice. What matters is how the bonus is released, how much rake you need to generate, whether there are time limits, and which games actually count. In the following short sections, we’ll cover the main types of poker bonuses.
Welcome bonus
The welcome bonus is often tied to your first deposit, but in rare cases it can be awarded without it. Some rooms credit it upfront, often as a fixed cash reward or tournament tickets, after a simple trigger. Others release it over time in chunks as you generate rake or points. Before claiming a bonus, check the minimum deposit, rules for using a promo code (if required), expiration date, which games are included, and the exact clearing requirements. Also check the bonus cap, clearing requirements, and any limits on withdrawing bonus funds until the bonus is unlocked.
Deposit bonus
A deposit bonus, often called a reload bonus, is awarded on deposits and can apply to any deposit. It often runs as a recurring promo on certain days, a limited-time offer during a series, or an ongoing deal listed in the promotions section. Some rooms require a promo code, but many apply it automatically once you fund your account. To judge the real value, check the minimum deposit, the bonus cap, whether it is credited upfront or in chunks, how much rake or how many points are needed to unlock it, and the clearing deadline.
Rakeback offers
Rakeback is a return of part of the rake, which is the fee a room takes from cash-game pots or tournament fees. Unlike a one-time bonus, poker rakeback deals work as an ongoing rebate and are often paid on a set schedule, such as daily or weekly. The number that matters is not the flashy headline percentage, but the effective rakeback you actually receive. That can change based on which games count, how rake is calculated, whether there are stake limits, and what form the rewards take, such as cash, tokens, tickets, or points.
Terms can differ by game type and stakes, so it is worth checking how the room calculates rewards for the formats you play. For most players, consistent rules and predictable payouts beat a high percentage that is hard to realize.
Loyalty programs
Poker loyalty programs are usually tier-based. The more you play real money poker and the more rake you generate, the higher you climb, and the better the rewards become. Rewards often come as cashback, bonus funds, tournament tickets, redeemable points, plus access to leaderboards and gated promotions. Progress is typically tracked through rake, points, or volume over a defined period.
A key detail is that many programs favor consistent, high-volume play. If you play less frequently, check how quickly points expire, how hard it is to maintain your tier, and whether rewards can be converted into straightforward value like cash or tickets rather than only internal bonus credits with conditions.
Poker Sites Based on Player Experience
Your experience level affects which poker rooms are likely to be the best fit. Below you will find lists of the best real money online poker sites for beginners, intermediate players, and advanced players. Each list is designed to help you quickly spot platforms that tend to match the goals, stakes, and play style typical for that level, without wasting time comparing every option.
Best poker sites for beginners
Beginners get the most value from an easy, low-pressure start. The best poker rooms have clean software, a stable mobile option, low-stakes tables, and enough active games that you are not waiting around. Here are some options for online poker to choose from.
Best poker sites for intermediate players
Intermediate players tend to value consistency more than anything. At this stage, you usually have preferred formats and regular stakes, so steady traffic at the times you play, a solid tournament schedule, and the ability to switch between cash, MTTs, and faster formats without hunting for tables matter most. Here are some options to consider.
Best poker sites for advanced players
Advanced players usually judge a room by long-term EV, not by the front-page marketing. Stable action at mid and higher stakes matters, along with a strong tournament ecosystem, if MTTs are part of your schedule. Clear rakeback or VIP terms are also key, so you know what you are actually earning back from volume. Fast, predictable withdrawals and software reliability become non-negotiable when you are playing bigger pots or long sessions. Here are some options that often make the shortlist for experienced players.
Payment Methods at Poker Sites for Real Money
In online poker, it is not just about how you deposit, but also how you will withdraw later. Many poker rooms and poker sites follow method-matching rules, meaning payouts go back through the same route used for the deposit, or through the closest available alternative in the cashier. That is why it helps to confirm upfront that your chosen method supports both deposits and withdrawals and is available in your state. The next sections explain the main payment categories used in poker, what each one is best for, and where it tends to be the most convenient.
Credit and debit cards
Credit and debit cards are a popular way to fund an online poker account. Across poker sites, these are the most common options you will see:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- American Express
Card deposits usually credit instantly or within a few minutes, although some payments can take up to 24 hours due to processor checks. Card withdrawals are not available in every room, and when they are offered, bank processing takes longer, most often 1–3 business days and sometimes up to 5. This method suits players who want a fast deposit and familiar checkout without relying on crypto or e-wallets.
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are a popular way to deposit and withdraw in online poker through blockchain transfers. Across poker sites, these are the options you will see most often:
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Tether (USDT)
- USD Coin (USDC)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
Crypto deposits credit after the required number of confirmations, so timing depends on blockchain load and the coin you use. In quiet periods, it can take minutes, and during heavy network traffic, it can take longer. Crypto withdrawals most often take up to 2 hours, but they can take longer when the poker room’s cashier is busy or extra internal processing is triggered, and the transfer still needs on-chain confirmations.
Three practical details matter here: network fees, address accuracy, and choosing the correct transfer network. A wrong address or wrong network can result in lost funds, and BTC or ETH prices can swing, which is why many players use stablecoins when they want steadier bankroll tracking. This option is best for players who want quicker transfers and cashier flexibility and are comfortable using a crypto wallet.
E-wallet services
E-wallets are a popular option for deposits and withdrawals in online poker, especially for players who want to keep poker transactions separate from their main bank. Across poker sites, these are the services you will see most often:
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Payz
- ecoPayz
E-wallet deposits usually credit instantly or within minutes. Withdrawals most often arrive within a few hours, but they can take up to 1–3 business days due to payment-team workload, processing windows, or additional checks triggered by the room or the provider. It also makes sense to check fees and limits in the Payments section and confirm the wallet supports both deposits and withdrawals, since many rooms follow method-matching rules. If you want convenient cashouts and a cleaner separation from everyday banking without moving to crypto, this is your best option.
Mobile payment options
Mobile payments in online poker are deposit methods you can complete directly from your phone through apps or built-in phone features. Most of the time, you will see:
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- PayPal
- Mobile bank transfers through your banking app
Mobile deposits move fast, usually instant or within minutes, since approval happens through Face ID, Touch ID, a PIN, or an in-app code. Withdrawals depend on whether the poker room supports payouts back to that mobile method. When it does, funds most often arrive within a few hours, but processing can stretch to 1–3 business days due to workload or cutoff windows. When direct payouts are not supported, you will see an alternative payout route in the Payments section. You will like this option if you prefer quick phone-based deposits without manually entering payment details.
Bank transfers
In online poker, bank transfers typically run through ACH or wire rails and are often used by players who prefer a traditional banking route, especially for larger amounts. Deposits are often faster than many expect. In many cases, funds are credited the same day or by the next banking day, which is roughly within 24 hours when the transfer is initiated before daily cutoff times.
Withdrawals through bank transfer usually take longer because they include the room’s processing window plus the bank’s steps. As a result, payouts commonly fall around 1–5 business days, depending on processing schedules and review flow. This option is best for players who move larger amounts and prefer a familiar bank-to-bank route instead of cards or crypto.
Poker Game Variations on Poker Sites
Online poker sites offer far more than a single “cash table and chill” setup. In the same room you can play short cash sessions, chase bigger payouts in scheduled tournaments, or grind fast formats where hands keep moving with minimal downtime. Cash games are usually the easiest to start because you can choose the best table and stakes yourself, and you can leave the game at any time.
Tournaments work on a different clock. You pay a fixed buy-in, blinds increase on a schedule, and payouts depend on finishing position, so variance is higher and session length is less predictable.
If speed and volume matter, fast-fold tables are built for that. After you fold, you are instantly moved to a new table with fresh opponents, which increases hands per hour. Players who prefer quick sessions often like jackpot Sit & Gos, where three players battle for a randomly assigned prize pool. On the game-variant side, Texas Hold’em remains the default, but Omaha formats add more action because you get four hole cards and pots grow quickly. Short Deck is another common option. It uses a reduced deck, which increases the frequency of strong hands and raises volatility.
Common formats and variants:
- Cash games;
- Multi-table tournaments (MTT);
- Sit & Go, including jackpot Spin formats;
- Fast-fold poker (Zoom, Blitz, and similar);
- Texas Hold’em (NLHE);
- Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO), Omaha Hi-Lo (PLO8);
- Short Deck;
- Seven Card Stud and Razz;
- Mixed games (rotation formats).
Poker Sites for Playing Tournaments
Tournament poker varies by room more than cash games. Some sites focus on daily low buy-in MTTs, while others lean into big series with guarantees and a packed schedule running throughout the day. To quickly spot which sites are built for tournaments, look at three signals: how many MTTs start each day, whether your buy-in range is covered consistently, and how active the satellite and format mix is, including re-entries and knockouts. The sections below highlight the rooms where the tournament schedule stays active and gives you a real choice beyond a couple of prime-time events.
Poker Sites to Play Freeroll Tournaments
Freerolls are not offered the same way on every poker site. Some rooms hold open freerolls on a set schedule, others distribute participation through tickets and promotions, and some tie access to leaderboards or loyalty status. The fastest way to identify a genuine freeroll is to check the lobby for a special “Freerolls” filter and check whether participation is by ticket or open registration. The list below highlights sites where freerolls are a consistent part of the schedule and shows the most common path to qualify.
How Live Poker and Online Poker Differ
Live poker and online poker are the same game, but they demand different habits. In a casino, the pace is slower, you play fewer hands per hour, and people-reading plays a larger role. Body language, pauses, table talk, and how someone handles chips can add information, and waiting for seats or table changes is part of the routine. Online poker accelerates everything. You see more hands, opponents rotate faster, and the clearest signals come from the action itself: bet sizing, frequencies, position, and timing inside the game. That speed makes bankroll discipline more important online.
Fast formats and multi-tabling increase volume, so winning and losing stretches can feel sharper. At the same time, online sessions are easier to control. You can choose your stake, format, and session length, and many rooms offer built-in tools like deposit limits and time controls. Live poker is less flexible, since you are tied to venue hours, seat availability, and the pace of the table.
Strategically, online play pushes focus toward ranges and decision quality. There are no physical reads, so decisions are based on how the hand is played: who bets from which position, what bet sizes they use, and how the action changes from flop to turn to river. Live poker builds patience, observation, and emotional control in a public setting. Online poker speeds up technical growth because you repeat common spots far more frequently.
How We Analyze and Compare Online Poker Sites
We compare online poker sites using the same core criteria to keep ratings consistent and easy to understand. The focus is on what directly affects play for US users: traffic quality, software reliability, game selection, bonus value and clarity, deposit and withdrawal flexibility, payout speed, mobile usability, and visible security plus how the site positions itself for US access. The sections below break down each factor and explain why it matters when choosing a room.
Poker traffic and activity
We evaluate traffic based on how easy it is to get into a game right now. That means looking at how many tables are running at common stakes, whether formats are available across the lobby, and how quickly tournaments fill. Schedule depth matters too. A room with steady MTT starts makes it easier to find the buy-in and structure you want without waiting. We also consider peak-hour behavior, since one room can be busy at the same time another feels thin. Traffic shifts with time of day and promotions, so the final reality check is always the lobby.
Network quality and reliability
We judge reliability by how the room performs in real play: client stability, how rarely sessions drop, how quickly the lobby responds, and how often the site goes into downtime. We also factor in fair-play reputation and clear policies for interrupted hands and tournament refunds when disruptions happen. This is not a minor detail. Reliable poker software reduces the risk of losing value to disconnects, keeps sessions smooth, and helps players stay focused when the action matters most.
Selection of poker games
We assess game selection by how well a room covers different needs: cash and tournaments, a workable spread of stakes, standard and faster formats, plus core variants like NLHE and PLO. Breadth matters, but usability matters too. If you play one format, the key is consistent tables at your stakes and lobby filters that make them easy to find. If you rotate games, variety becomes a real advantage, along with regular tournaments in multiple formats and the ability to switch without hunting through a thin lobby.
Bonus offers and promotions
We rate bonuses by usable value, not banner numbers. First, we check how rewards are delivered: credited upfront, granted as tickets, or released in chunks through play. Next, we review clearing rules: what counts, how quickly progress accrues, and what requirements must be met so the bonus does not stall. Time limits matter because short windows reduce real value fast. We also factor in restrictions by game, format, and stakes.
We then look beyond the welcome offer at ongoing value: reload promos, rakeback, leaderboards, tournament promos, and added-prize series. The best promotions fit a normal play schedule and provide returns without forcing players to switch formats or chase volume just to unlock rewards.
Deposit and withdrawal options
We evaluate the flexibility of the payment section in terms of the range of deposit and withdrawal methods, the clarity of the limits, the presence of fees, and the ability to withdraw funds using the same method as for deposits. This is especially important for players from the US, as availability may vary depending on location and operator policy. Reliable sites make it easy to find the rules. The payment section shows which methods are supported, what minimum and maximum amounts apply, and what happens if a deposit method is not available for withdrawals.
Deposit and withdrawal speed
Speed is measured by the full path from request to funds received, not by a vague “fast payouts” claim. We break it into two parts: the room’s processing time and the payment method’s transfer time. Verification, processing windows, method limits, and deposit-withdrawal matching rules are the main factors that slow things down. The best poker sites online set clear time expectations inside the cashier and keep the payout flow consistent so players know what they are signing up for.
Mobile functionality and usability
We rate mobile play by how well it replaces desktop without friction. The real money poker apps need to be stable, the lobby has to stay responsive, and key actions should be simple: depositing, registering for tournaments, finding tables, checking transaction history, and reaching support. We also look for feature parity, such as usable filters, player notes, bet controls, and tournament start alerts. A strong mobile setup lets players run short sessions on the go while keeping full control of stakes and bankroll.
Legal status and security measures
We consider how a site presents US access and how clearly it explains geolocation rules and restricted territories. We also look at visible security features that directly protect players, including 2FA, device and session controls, clear verification flow, and responsible gaming tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion. This does not replace checking your own state rules, but it helps narrow choices to trusted online poker rooms that are transparent about access and provide solid account protection.
FAQ
Are US poker sites legal?
Online poker legality in the US is state-based. Licensed, regulated online poker is legal in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. It is also worth noting that even though Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island have legalized online poker, state-licensed real-money poker sites haven’t gone live there yet. In other states, rules vary, and site access plus banking can depend on geolocation and operator policy. Check your state’s rules and the room’s terms before playing.
How do I choose the best online poker site for my needs?
Choose a site that matches how you play. Tournament players should look at schedules and buy-ins, while cash players should focus on traffic and rewards. Also check payment options, withdrawals, and mobile support before depositing.
Can I play online poker for free before depositing real money?
Yes. The most straightforward “free poker” comes from social rooms and poker apps that use in-game currency instead of real money. That is ideal for learning rules, pace, and basic table flow. In real-money poker rooms, the closest free option is freeroll tournaments. They have a $0 buy-in but can pay real prizes, so they play more like real poker than a demo mode.
What is the minimum deposit required at most poker sites?
Most poker sites set a minimum deposit in the $10–$50 range, with some payment methods requiring more.
How do I withdraw my winnings safely?
Safe cashouts start with account prep. Complete verification early so your first meaningful withdrawal does not get delayed by checks. When you request a payout, use the same payment method you deposited with if the room requires method matching. For crypto, confirm the wallet address and network, since mistakes are not reversible.
Are online poker games fair and not rigged?
Reputable rooms deal hands using RNG-based shuffling and back it up with security monitoring aimed at bots, collusion, and multi-accounting.
Can I play online poker on my mobile device?
Yes. Most of the major poker rooms support mobile gaming via iOS and Android apps or via a browser. Before making a deposit, make sure the app or browser-based platform runs smoothly on your device and doesn’t limit functionality compared to the desktop version.
What types of bonuses can I claim as a new player?
New players most commonly see welcome offers, deposit bonuses, tournament tickets, and promo events, plus automatic enrollment in loyalty rewards. Some real money poker sites also run freerolls.
How do rake and rakeback work in online poker?
Rake is the fee a room takes from cash-game pots or includes in tournament entry fees. Rakeback returns part of that fee through cash, points, tickets, or VIP rewards, and it scales with your playing volume. Your real return depends on the calculation rules.
What is the difference between cash games and tournaments?
Cash games are open-ended tables. You choose the stake, buy in, reload if needed, and leave whenever you want, with each hand affecting your bankroll immediately. Tournaments have a fixed buy-in, blinds rise on a schedule, and payouts depend on finishing position. Tournaments bring higher variance and a bigger time commitment, but a good run can produce much higher winnings.
How can I improve my skills as a beginner in online poker?
Fast improvement comes from fundamentals and discipline. Start at micro stakes, play one or two tables so you have time to think, and tag hands you want to review. Focus on position, starting ranges, sizing, and simple pot-odds decisions. Use deposit and time limits to protect your bankroll and avoid chasing losses. Regular sessions plus a short review afterward build skills faster than occasional long marathons.
