How much of Game of Thrones should I have read before I start watching the series?

I've started reading the book and quite fancy giving the TV show a go. Does it follow roughly the same chronology and if so which chapters does the first episode cover? Thanks.How much of Game of Thrones should I have read before I start watching the series?
The First Episode cover 5-6 Chapters. It is very close to the story, with only 1 or 2 changes. Fans of the books say it is very close to the book. Here is a basic outline of the plot of the first episode :



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Is_C鈥?/a>



I think you should finish the book first before watching the show.

Also, as the first season is nearly over, if you were wondering. On Monday, the final episode of the first season will be shown.

I will just say though that the TV Show is amazing and is a must see.
I figure watch it straight through first, then come back and read the books. If it's along the lines of Lord of the Rings and Potter, the show's leaving out a lot of juicy bits, but it still stands well on its own.How much of Game of Thrones should I have read before I start watching the series?
The first season covers book 1. I had never heard of this series until the show came on but I managed to finish the book after the third episode. I would watch it and read at the same time because there are so many characters I like to see who the show cast and see if I want to use them while I'm reading.
The show covers the first book pretty closely. Because it is an adaptation, some things have been simplified, but it's follows the book pretty good. The chapters aren't taken in perfect order, but if you've read that far, Episode 1 ends with "the things I do for love".How much of Game of Thrones should I have read before I start watching the series?
I read the first three books, and I regret it, because your going to know everything that happens. I say don't read any of it and enjoy the TV series fully.