Before joining, spread the cast-on edge along the needle and check that it faces the same direction all the way around. A twist is easiest to prevent before the first stitch is worked.
Place a removable marker to show the start of the round. Move it from one needle to the other as you arrive at that point.
If the first round feels loose, work slowly and use the tail to identify the join later. Steady habits are more useful than rushing into a rhythm.
