When describing bidding and playing practices, sometimes it is easier to refer to the 4 players as numbered table positions or seats, rather than North, East, South and West.
At the beginning, the dealer is referred to as seat 1, and the others are sequentially numbered in clockwise order.
The dealer, seat 1, always begins the bidding process by either making an opening bid or passing. The players at the first two seats must follow the normal guidelines (points and suit lengths) for an opening bid.
If the first two seats PASS, the third and fourth seats can relax opening requirements a little and make a 1-level suit opening bid.
Initially, I suggest the beginner avoid opening with relaxed criteria in the 3rd and 4th seats. As the beginner gains more experience, opening with relaxed criteria from seat 3 or 4 can be added to the bidding practice.
Once an opening bid is made, the seats are renumbered, and the opener becomes seat 1. All the other seats are sequentially re-numbered in clockwise order.