well you need the rule book, i no the price is a bit steep but its essential, just read through that and it should give you a good idea, but you really have to play, go down to your local store and just ask for help, tell them that you new. if its a GW store every sunday is for begginers each week they will take you through a different aspect of the game until finally your play 1500 point battles on your own. it takes a while to pick up, ive been playing for 8 years now and i still have to keep reading up on rules and im sure most people do. so basicly get the rule book and head down to your local store.