Nope, I just jumped in. My brother in introduced me to Chess.com, and he is rate a 1650. I've lost nine games to him so far. I've won one game at his home, but I got the feeling he let me win.
Playing OTB

My first competitive OTB game I got in a muddle that meant I forgot to notate a few of my first moves and once forgot to press my clock button after moving. I then promptly lost because of nerves and silly play. Second game I eeked out a 3 hour draw, so once you settle you will get calmer and play more responsibly, just get the nerves out of your system. It's like Jack says in Lost (I'm a geek, yes.): you just have to let the fear take over and admit it's there, but only for ten seconds, then you take control of it because you have to.

Sorry for being ignorant, but what do you mean by you forgot to notate your first moves?
he forgot to write them down.

It's required to have them all (there's a rule about not having to notate in the last 5 minutes I believe it is), and if you miss them or don't get them right your opponent can ask you to spend your clock-time writing them down.
Wow, did not know that. Is there some rule if the two "scorecards" differ how it's determined who was in error and the consequences?

I would guess if both scorecards are wrong and they're looked at by an official, both players would forfeit the game or maybe even be required to replay the game. That's why it's a good idea to keep a correct scorecard :) And to make things more straightforward apply a good routine, so move the piece, hit the clock, write down your move. Hint: if you take a piece, take it off the board with your right hand, hit the clock button with the piece, then put it down and write down your move.

Wow, did not know that. Is there some rule if the two "scorecards" differ how it's determined who was in error and the consequences?
Notating your games is a must in tournament play. However, if the tournament is either G/5, G/10, or G20 (i.e. g/5-g/20 are quick rated games) notating your games is not required. But if your playing G/30 or G/60 (i.e. standard time games) then you have to.
Yeah i haad the same problem in writing down my moves. Sometimes i would write down my moves on the same column and then i get confused and disoriented. But you get use to it after the second or third tournament. OTB FTW!

FYI: i tend to see a lot of class B and class A players writing their move down before they move. So write your move down first then touch move. =)

Yes it is a somewhat nervewracking your first time but afterwards I am sure you will really enjoy the competition and meeting all of the people there who enjoy chess as much as you do .

Notating your games is a must in tournament play. However, if the tournament is either G/5, G/10, or G20 (i.e. g/5-g/20 are quick rated games) notating your games is not required. But if your playing G/30 or G/60 (i.e. standard time games) then you have to.
Yeah i haad the same problem in writing down my moves. Sometimes i would write down my moves on the same column and then i get confused and disoriented. But you get use to it after the second or third tournament. OTB FTW!
Haha wow you play some fast chess. Not sure if I would play in a tournament with less that G/90, unless it was blitz.

If you're nervous, you're nervous. Can't fix that really but you can moderate their effect by playing more. Experience on the stage does help.
My first tournament game I had traded down to a likely won endgame versus a veteran 1700 player and then walked into a fork. Nerves. Today I still can get nervous and find my play impaired but by now I have developed a thinking method and by just concentrating on my analysis nerves take a back seat. Almost always.

FYI: i tend to see a lot of class B and class A players writing their move down before they move. So write your move down first then touch move. =)
This was once allowed and I did it this way for decades as did many others. However, now the rules say you must make your move and only then write it down. You are not allowed to write your move first. I think its ridiculous myself but thats what the rules now say. I have been playing tournament chess more than 3 decades and I STILL get a little nervous in tournament games. I think its a good thing, not bad.

I played in OTB tournament last time 13 years ago, when I was 14. I like chess, but I don't like chess players. They are all nuts.

Bruiser419, it is a good idea to keep a note book of all the games you play, even casual ones. You learn much from replaying and analyzing your own games, especially the ones you lose.
Regarding chess clubs, I think it's particularly good when they have a good mix of ages of players. Keeps everybody more respectful, for some reason.
I agree with Reb, i have been playing OTB for over 30 years now and still get that funny feeling in my gut right before a game but i too think it is a good thing it keeps you on your toes. Don't worry too much about it and just enjoy the ride.
Not so nervous at the club; much easier and best first OTB step. You meet people, you get to know people, it's just a game, probably not rated....
Tournaments are the big step up in gut-check because those are rated games, you probably won't know a lot of people, you may have traveled to the venue, the entire experience will be new.....just try to let it wash over you and not worry too much. There is a lot to learn by watching and don't be shy about asking quesions. Most people will be very happy to be helpful. It will only take a couple of tournaments for your comfort level to settle down to where you become the 'old pro'.
As suggested - just jump in. Club play first, then rated tournaments. The club play and the people you meet there will make the jump to tournaments a lot easier because they will be able to prepare you for what to expect.
Note: You should make your move, and then write down your move. It is bad etiquette (and not allowed) to write down the move before it is made. If your opponent does this, ask him to stop, or ask the TD (Tournament Director) or official to enforce the rule. Don't put up with it.
Bad habit not to keep up with the game notation. Make your move and notate. After your opponent makes his move, notate it and then continue the game. (I think there are some exceptions to Blitz, Speed and that sort of thing, but I only play classical time controls so keeping up with accurate notation is very easy and 'best practice'.)
When you started playing OTB chess seriously (ie not with friends/family) were you nervous? Did it make you play badly for awhile? I'm thinking of maybe testing out a semi-local chess club in the area, but I think I'd be too worried about playing poorly that I would play even poorer than I already do.