Firstly, remember the Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy.
Don't Panic

OK, You start off with 3 little tier 1 tanks. A Russian one. A German One. And a American one.
Don't panic, your not being put in with higher tier tanks. The loading screen is showing other players also trying to find games. Unless you've some how found some extreme punishment mode where you are going up against tier ten tanks

You won't need lube, those tanks have massive penetration. And your armor isn't that thick.
So in your first few games you will be on one of three maps. A dutch farm field one. A sea side one. A German town one. There are other maps, but they come out to play when you've got bigger and better tanks.
So lets deal with a couple of your first outings. As you know, your default tanks are a bit puny. But don't worry, you can still dish out a righteous kicking. here's a few tip.
In fact, here's some helpful videos...
World Of Tanks Tutorial Part 1World Of Tanks Tutorial Part 2World Of Tanks Tutorial Part 3Now as you may have noticed, they want your money. Oh what a surprise. But you don't have to give them any. The premium account isn't necessary to play or progress. In fact I haven't even bothered with the consumable items either. Simply battle, get XP and cash. Then research using XP. And then purchase and fit modules with cash. The whole "free XP" conversion thing is unnecessary.
Now a couple of tips.
When you upgrade your tanks gun, be aware that you will need to purchase ammo for it after it's installed. I've had a couple of embarrassing moments, where I've purchased a new gun and not been able to afford ammo. Or even worse, less than half a dozen shells. Oops!
Pressing "Shift" enters sniper mode. On tanks and tank destroyers, this zooms in your view. On SPG, it opens up a large range map view for artillery fire.
As the green ring contracts, so your aim gets better. So moving along at full throttle, a fired shell could go nearly anywhere. If your stationary and you swing the barrel around, this will also open up the accuracy ring. On the dutch field map, try planting your tank into foliage. Sit tight. Wait for your less patient team members to go charging off and highlight the enemy. The enemy will show up when they are in radio range of your team mate and move or fire (unless they are hiding very still in bushes and not firing). Also if a team mate goes bang, maneuver up to his tank and use it as a shield. An enemy player will probably not notice you at first. After all, there's a burnt out tank. And while he's looking the the way, you can get that first shot in.
Penetration and armor. As in the real world, the front armor is the thickest. Then the sides. And a tank's armor is thinnest in the rear. Also the turret's armor thickness may also differ to the chassis. So if you can take them from behind, you might get the frag. And if they are looking forward, it's going to take a while for them to swing the barrel around to you.
And finally, if you want to look around but don't want to loos a tight aiming ring by having the barrel move. Then simply hold the right mouse button. This will stop the turret moving, but allow you to free look. Letting go of the right mouse button will then bring the barrel around to what ever you then have in view.
Hang on, another thought. Upgrading. Tracks first. Then turret. Then engine. Then gun. Then radio.
Good luck & have fun
