Ok, here's the deal, the four middle squares are very important and need to be protected at all times. There are certain questions that you should ask yourself every time you move. Did your move help to control those squares? Is the piece you moved protected? If not, will a subsequent move protect it? If you can't protect it, does it have an escape route? Did the piece you moved allow another piece to develop? Can your king be checked? If so protect it. Can you check the other king? If so, do it. Does your opponent have a piece that is not protected? If so, attack it. If you have to trade a piece, is it for equal or more than your opponent? Will you end up in a better position than your opponent after the trade? Can you provoke an exchange of a piece of greater value, while at the same time targeting an unprotected piece (fork), should the trade not happen. Just a few questions to ask, not necessarily in order of importance. Aren't you glad chess is easy?  

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