I'm very very new to this kind of RPG. Never seen anything like this, there are many choices and it can be very confusing.
I've checked GameFAQ and unfortunately there's no "beginner's section" or something of that sort.

So, I've played the game for a few hours and imagine my surprise when I found out that how good your armor is depends on how LOW the number on your armor class. That's insane. Lower number at armor gives higher defense? What kind of sense does that make?

Also, what is 'round' anyway? You know, the kind of spell/potion that says the duration is x 'rounds'. What determine rounds, how much time?

When I was walking around in a thunderstorm (I think), Boo and his sidekick Minsc got electrocuted for no reason. Was this because of the plate mail?


In conclusion, tell me what I should know when I play the game.

BTW, the spell description is so immense that I settle for swashbuckler.

RTFM. Most of your questions are answered there.
It helps being familiar with AD&D, though. The AC is rather unintuitive.

As for thunderstorms, I think it's random. I've seen it hit enemies also.

A link of an attempt of mine to explain the cases where lower is better: AC, Thac0, Saving Throw: [url=]http://www.gog.com/en/forum/baldurs_gate_series/baldurs_gate_1_and_2_still_accessible_to_me/post11[/url]

But most of all, as you're not familiar with 2nd Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons ruleset, I'd advice to download this AD&D FAQ by Dan Simpson

*edit* I read the title a bit better, I saw you started with BG2. I'm not quite adept at answering what helps a newbie playing that game first. Most hints I'm famiiar with asume people starting off with BG1. It helps getting to learn the game, especially the magic system, one spell level at a time. Starting with BG2 first could be overwelming, though it's recommended by many.

1 round are about 6 seconds for you and 1 minute for the game.
1 turn are 10 rounds.
Party members getting struck by lightning is just an annoying graphical gimmick.

As other have been stating the mechanics of the game makes a bit more sense if you have an understanding of Advanced Dungeons and Dragons rules.

The number of AC plays a part in the dice roll for THAC0, which stands for To Hit Armor Class 0. I'm a bit tired at the moment so if I got that wrong I'm sure someone will correct me.

DubConqueror posted a good link for you to check out that goes more indepth with the rules.

I've been playing the Baldur's Gate series since I was real little, and I didn't understand all the rules. Just that you wanted spells with higher duration of turns and the most negative number for AC. And I still enjoyed the game. :)