Is it fair to play a game if you're total newbie?

[springbrook]

Ok, I'm new to board games and so far I have only played very simple games like Splendor, Patchwork and Kingdomino. Last week I wanted to play 7 Wonders Duel because I know the rules of basic game and I'm not that crap in it. But when the game started I realized it is game with an expansion I know nothing about. So of course I lost, big time. I couldn't care less that I lost, but I felt sorry for my opponent because they had to play with somebody who is bad in it.

So, here is my questions. There are many games I would like to try that are harder like Castles of Burgundy and Lost ruins of Arnak but I'm afraid to start to play because I don't want to ruin the game for other players. So I stick with games I know and never try anything new. But I would like to.
So, would you mind if I started playing when it is quite obvious it is my first game and I'm pretty bad in it?

[nccc]

U can open a room with conditions, like elo limit.
So u will find players whose elo is similiar to u.

[ufm]

ELO limit or training mode is well suited for learning games

[thoun]

Ok, I'm new to board games and so far I have only played very simple games like Splendor, Patchwork and Kingdomino. Last week I wanted to play 7 Wonders Duel because I know the rules of basic game and I'm not that crap in it. But when the game started I realized it is game with an expansion I know nothing about. So of course I lost, big time. I couldn't care less that I lost, but I felt sorry for my opponent because they had to play with somebody who is bad in it.

Don't forget to check settings of the games, you can say you don't want to play with expansions so you won't have bad surprises like that

[voriki]

When it is the first time playing, they get a notice you're a new player. If you are friendly in chat and immediately upon starting the game you notice your error, most would agree to collectively abandon the table.

Just don't do it halfway the game.

[GeraldineMerida]

When I'm totally new to a more complex game and am not sure if I've got all the rules down, I usually play turn-based. That way, you can consult the rules between plays without inconveniencing other players.

[shrouded figure]

I either play turn-based or play with friends when I'm trying a game for the first time, less stressful and no risk of reputation loss from being timed out or kicked out.

I doubt players mind beginners playing poorly, unless they took too long or they accidentally kingmake someone even if unintentional.

[FSKFSK]

If the opponents don't want to play newbies, they can pick it in the game settings.

The biggest caution I would say for playing a brand new game is time. Try not to let your timer run out. I had a problem when starting Race for the Galaxy, as consume abilities are mandatory but I couldn't figure out which of my cards had unactivated consume abilities. It took me 3 minutes to figure out the legal move I was required to make.

[Jest Phulin]

Another bit of advice: If starting your own table, put "Learning Game" (or something similar) in the table description. This helps alert people that you are not familiar with the game.

And don't be afraid to learn new games here. Everyone was new to every game at one point.

[Shobu]

I always do my first-match turn-based, allow to explore the ruleset without pressure.