better my chess?

i find that i play sparatic more "reactive chess" then planing chess i find it hard to make plans or view imbalences in a game or when i find them how to use them to my advantage. any tips?

As well i am going to spectate my first tournement on Tuesday, how can i best learn from watching others play? {i usualy put my self in a players position and think the top 3-4 moves id do and see if they choose same, if so i watch carefully to see opponents reply and if it is later benificial, or a blunder, If player dosent play one of my thought of moves i try to find out why and if there move in the long run was benifitial, and how so?} is it legal to bring my own pen and paper to record games? As it is the first tournement i am attending i dont know, if is legal would you suggest it or advice against studying player games  in my area that i could in the futur be playing , i am excited also because i am going (next tuesday) alsofor the first time to partake in a chess club. i have trouble understanding and applying openings in chess i hardly ever have trouble in the end game if i make it there with several pieces . but that is rare is there any sourse suggestions or oppenings you can suggest for me to use, study, or understand any help i would greatly appresiate .

                                    much thanks,

                                    Stephen Johns 

Yes, it's legal to write down moves as a spectator.  And sure, you should learn as much as you can about anybody that you might be playing in the future (their opening choices and so forth).

 TY very much!

 TY i rely apriciate that I wasnt sure if this would qualify as a stupid question or not LOL , and will be ready to wright my brains out come tuesday