Having played CS:GO for well over 500 hours at this point, I'd like to make a few observations and give a few tips for new players wanting to jump in, now that it's a free-to-play title.

Prime accounts are a must to, at least, partially avoid hackers.
CS:GO is relatively basic to start with and complex the higher up the skill brackets you go. However, mechanically it's relatively simple but requires a lot of practice.
Game sense is crucial.
Keeping a cool head and avoiding conflict with teammates is also key.

I've had both a great and a bad time with CS:GO at different times.
Through my many competitive games, I've met some great players and had some wonderful matches, unforgettable clutches and a sense of time well spent. Equally, I have had some where I've been unfortunate enough to meet some horrible, xenophobic and generally terrible people.

But through it all, I've generally had the best time when I've been ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ around with friends. Even going through a ♥♥♥♥♥♥ time in a match with friends is far better than doing it alone. Work hard, play with the team.

Focus on just yourself and you will succeed. Always play with friends. Be prepared for a long climb.

Having played CS:GO for well over 500 hours at this point, I'd like to make a few observations and give a few tips for new players wanting to jump in, now that it's a free-to-play title. Prime accounts are a must to, at least, partially avoid hackers. CS:GO is relatively basic to start with and complex the higher up the skill brackets you go. However, mechanically it's relatively simple but requires a lot of practice. Game sense is crucial. Keeping a cool head and avoiding conflict with teammates is also key. I've had both a great and a bad time with CS:GO at different times. Through my many competitive games, I've met some great players and had some wonderful matches, unforgettable clutches and a sense of time well spent. Equally, I have had some where I've been unfortunate enough to meet some horrible, xenophobic and generally terrible people. But through it all, I've generally had the best time when I've been fucking around with friends. Even going through a shitty time in a match with friends is far better than doing it alone. Work hard, play with the team. Focus on just yourself and you will succeed. Always play with friends. Be prepared for a long climb.