Never heard so many different ways to cook beans. A bean is a bean. wash them a few times to pick out rocks and bad beans. Soak over night is best but if you wanted beans tonight and forgot to soak this is OK too it just takes a little longer to cook. After soaking drain the water and add clean water about
2-3 inches above the beans . You may add a little oil or about a 2 inch
square of fat back , ham to season. Once the beans start boiling cut down to a good simmer. Add about 1 T. sugar and salt to taste. The longer you simmer and stir occationaly you soup will thicken. They are done when tender but you can cook longer to thicken just keep adding water to keep from sticking. This is southern way.