A THREAD FOR NEWCOMERS!

Would Game Guard work?

It's mainly used to connect through Hamachi or GameRanger. Sometimes TeamViewer is used. (There are a lot of newbies on GameRanger, though). But these are just tools to start the game; players coordinate either in the thread linked above or later, after getting to know each other better, through ICQ/Skype.

Where to start? First, you need to choose a template to play with. Either a crazy Jebus build or a more classic CM (Castle Map) build. These are the easiest templates to understand. Of course, you need to be able to win against the computer and be capable of doing so. If you feel that it's easy, then it's time to move on to online play. In the thread where players coordinate, indicate that you're a newbie or beginner for a more interesting and competitive experience. Now, about playing against the computer. During training, you need to learn to maintain a good pace (without losing and without overusing auto-combat). This involves quickly clearing spawns, capturing other territories, knowing how to break into money-generating structures (crypt, gnome pit, medusa lair, naga bank), and knowing how to secure early-game bonuses (angels, hives). And, as they say, prioritize correctly.
Building chains is a whole separate art. At first, the computer is a good opponent for this. And most importantly, the games will be faster (because you don't have to wait for your opponent's turn), which means you'll learn faster. Of course, it's very difficult to learn how to do this with all races right away. Therefore, if you have time, it's highly recommended to watch streams. There are decent streamers who explain things. The chat will always try to troll, that's understandable.
Well, and then, you're on your own – online. That's the experience that can't be conveyed through any streams; you have to gain it yourself. Through hardships to the stars :D Mistakes and failures will happen no matter what, so don't be surprised; everyone goes through it :D