Use ctrl and alt combination a lot. The main point is the anchor. You have to often try it to get used with it. The node is editable. Try to hit alt or ctrl while using in pentool and you will understand. The next level would be trace an image using pen tool. After u get used to it, it will rock all your design. It's the WoW fundamental. You must able to master it.
pen tool is one of the most important and most useful tool in photoshop....i also found it difficult at the begining...but its very easy to work with...just search google for tutorials...