beginner question?

[ddincolo]

great question! when I started knittingI asked the same one........I don't count it, but one of the most common sense answers that I got from another experienced knitter was, "just be consistant in what you decide to do----if you count it then always count it. if you don't then always start with the next row"
the 'be consistant' message as bailed me out many times!
welcome to knitting!