If there is no miracle recipe for progressing in the game, we can still find the following recommendations for the player who is just starting out:

alternate play and study

the practice of the game alone does not necessarily allow progress, any more than the theoretical study without the practice of the game, give as much importance to one as to the other aspect.

do not give undue importance to the study of openings

and above all, avoid memorizing lines without understanding the strategic plans they imply.
Some players rely on the surprise effect and traps contained in rare gambits, but this strategy is not often successful in tournaments. It is better to stick to familiar opening systems.

avoid setting obvious traps

do not bet on an unlikely distraction of your opponent, consider not the worst move he can play but the best. Your trap, once parried by the opponent, will have weakened your position and will have made you waste time.

every move must have a goal

whether it parries a threat, fits into a strategic plan or a combination, improves your position or deteriorates that of the opponent, every move must have a goal.

tactics, finals and strategy

are key elements of the game. The mastery of elementary finals, the recognition of mate patterns, the development of tactical agility, and the development of the strategy are the elements to work in priority to improve your level.

beware of blitz

Insofar as they encourage simple traps and exclude elaborate strategic plans, in any case, do not play just blitz.

prefer opponents of a level close to or a little higher than yours

they will force you to improve your game by exploiting your mistakes.