by gyc365
GtR has a relatively large random element, but it's definitely a game of skill (the same is true of poker).This is a good thing IMO, but it means you have to be able to play each round quickly. Fortunately, when you've learned how to play, GtR plays quite fast ...
... unfortunately a beginner can't play fast, so there's a definite startup issue.
@OP - IMO beginners should play their first two or three games with the sole objective of getting a feel for the game. Experienced gamers like yourself will know when you've done learning - at that point drop out and make coffee or watch the others play.
The experienced players must accommodate this (no whining if your dropping out changes the balance of the game), and they must play fast, even if it makes the game a little less fun for them.
After the first few games, when you have the routine and some basic principles, play he games out, but makes sure they're played fast (mostly the experienced players ... beginners have to be allowed some "AP time" :)
There are a lot of games where a beginner, even one experienced with comparable games, can't really participate. Ofc this is a good thing - it indicates depth and a skill requirement, both positive indicators for a game. IMO GtR is such a game, hence the suggestions above: the idea is to try to learn as fast as possible, rather than to be able to put everything together and become a serious participant first time around.