Tips to solve chess problems
First look for this: is there a forced mate by my opponent which can't be saved? If yes, then you must mate the opponent with a series of checks which may result in either mating the opponent first or, saving your own mate somehow: normally the former happens in a puzzle. Ok, there is no immediate forced mate by opponent, but what could be the opponents strongest move? Yes, you must figure out opponents strongest move before your move since your plan depends on opponents plan, This gives you the idea where to start thinking. A big trap for getting a wrong result: you may find a solution like winning opponents queen, but there may be a mate in few moves : so winning queen is not the correct solution, you need find the strongest response. So, look for all solutions. Normally, a good puzzle, will have a unique solution: means other possibilities are bad for you: So, look into other possibilities and find out why they don't yield to a good solution. .....<to be continued>...