pattern problem

[crpstx]

I'm new to thread, and am starting a peacock table runner. Pattern says chain 205, ch 3 to turn, dc in 5th ch from hook. dc in next 2 chs to complete bottom right solid square of pattern. After completing first row, ch 3 to turn to start next row. Row 1 is all closed mesh. Why would I ch 3 and turn before doing row 1? The second row begins with a closed mesh, open mesh alternating all the way across. If I do 2 dc does that mean it's a 3 dc for a solid mesh? I have been doing 4 and ch 5 to start a new row. These are probably dumb questions, but I'm new at this, and want to do it right. Thanks ahead of time.

[crochetrae]

Is there not a graph to go along with the written out instructions? Then you could actually see how many stitches there should be. It's usually 3+1 for a solid square. I think it should be "dc in the 4th ch from the hook, dc in next 2 chs" for a solid mesh, not 5th ch from hook.