Counter-Strike Basics (What do I need to know?)

I've never actually played Counter-Strike but there's always been an interest in the game in the back of my mind. From those who are seasoned players, what do I need to know about the game? What should I expect? What is the most important (in your opinion) aspect of the game?

I was global elite for a while ,if you wanna get better. This is the perfect timing to join, no one knows how to play and everyone is nervous. You can watch youtube videos to get an idea about strategies and smokes to get an advantage in game, but the perfect way is to practice you'll have to play around 300 hours before having a level we can call good.

Don't move when you shoot
practice your aim
use low sensitivity
keep a positive mindset
practice your spray
use tap shooting more it's so way more efficient than spraying in most scenarios

Aiming and game knowledge, id say. Practice your aim, your movement, find the sensitivity, learn spray patterns of speciifc weapons. and as ebleck said, TAP SHOOT, PLEASE!

This game is really cool, I recommend it.
What kind of maps do you like?
I'm happy to play with you as you like.
What kind of games do you prefer?

master every weapon , dont be afraid to try them all, then master the spray control, get used with the game, let your body acomodate with the game ( hand eye coordination ) learn a map, then go for the next one, learn how to use every tool kit that the game has to offer and mostly dont forget its a team game, at a point performance < teamplay . GL AND HF BRO!

Stay still when you shoot. When strafing, stutter step. Use this to effect for jiggle peeking as well. Practice like you can't aim; your equipment matters. Learn your callouts. Learn your nade throws. Learn recoil patterns. Make minimal noise. Use your ears. Over time, observe enemy player movements throughout the maps. This will help you find routes, boosts, or other things that can help you out. This can also help you in predicting where an enemy may be based on certain conditions. Observation is key. I found myself having to watch for a *while* before being able to completely understand what goes on.

learn smokes and pre aim spots, there are a lot of workshop maps for equal maps

Learn smokes, prefire positions and aiming. But without teamplay - no win.

Practice your aim. Thats a keystone to succes. Learn about the grenades, smokes etc. Practice with them. Also learn the maps and learn prefire techniques.