I'll be playing my first game this Friday, most likely as a hunter. Does anyone have any good strategy tips for a beginner?

Doc, the Weasel said:

Stakes. Stakes. Stakes. And use Hosts to block Spain and detach Eastern and Western Europe. Use Agatha as soon as you can. If you're close to corner Dracula, try not to draw event card, just to avoid the vampire fleeing via Evasion. And enjoy your game. It's a marvellous game for many and different reasons (even if I totally dislike the way combats are resolved)