Chess · Stage 1: Don't hang pieces
Is this move safe?
This one question, asked before every move, saves more games than any opening.
You were part-way through this lesson, at step 1 of 5.
Already know this? Take the check: just the questions, no reading. Get them all right first time and the lesson counts as done.
A move is safe if, straight after it, your opponent cannot win material or give mate. Count each exchange. A cheaper piece taking a dearer one wins, even if you can take back.
More practice, free: Hanging piece puzzles from real games, on Lichess.