I want to like this game so much, I just don't think I'm very good at it.
Half the game is knowing how to traverse the map and using the environment to your advantage.
Here's a few things I've worked out during my 8 hours with the game:
1. when on the plane:
I use the trajectory of the plane to figure out where there's no people. Let's say the plane goes from west to east just above the bridges to the millitary base. I know that people can't parachute all the way to the top of the map so it's likely that no people are there.
2. Parachuting:
I will parachute late. Most people have already left the plane so chances that I will land with someone else is minimal. I will land at an area with 3-4 houses. When freefall is over and the chute opens I hold RB to look around to see if other players are landing near me.
3. On the ground:
If noone is near me I will loot the 3-4 houses. If someone does land near me I take note of where. They will obviously look for loot, so I loot 1 house and run and preferably North in this case.
4. The first circle:
Let's say the first circle is smack in the middle of the map. I will try and find a vehicle while still running North. Because of the trajectory of the plane I know that North of the circle has the least possibility of other players. If on foot I will run towards the North side and loot houses on the way. If in a vehicle I will drive all the way to the North and loot there.
5. Managing the circle:
Once a circle has closed I will wait about 30 seconds at the border of the circle. Someone could be in the electricity still and I don't like being shot in the back. Move from cover to cover and avoid open fields.
This might be the cowards way of playing but it has worked very well for me so far.