Basic tactics

A tactic is a short sequence of moves that wins material or gives checkmate. The simplest tactic is capturing a piece that is not protected. Before every move, ask: what is attacked, and what is protected?

A piece is hanging if it can be captured for free. Check your opponent's last move: it often attacks something, or leaves a piece hanging.

Before you capture, also ask: if I take, can I be taken back? A good capture wins material. A bad capture loses it.