Back in the swing

I have been following 40K since second edition but have also been out of the gaming aspect of the hobby since second. I have just spent six months painting up 1500 points of chaos space marines and am looking forward to getting back into gaming. I am looking for advice on the best way to learn the rules and flow of the game without spoiling everyones good time. How did you all learn the hobby?

Thanks for the advice.

I learned the hobby and rules by watching more veteran players play, and you don't really spoil other peoples time by asking questions as long as you don't cheat. If you have some good gaming friends it shouldn't be a problem ;)