how can I improve?

looking to get better as well. justbstarted playing but haven't figured out all the strategies. any good reads to get started?

Here are some general tips for all of you:
https://www.chess.com/blog/nklristic/the-beginners-tale-first-steps-to-chess-improvement
Welcome to the site, have a great time improving your chess.

You're welcome.
You can find more detailed articles on mentioned topics linked in that article as well, if you want to read a little more.
Break a leg, pal.

IMHO, there are three books every beginning chess player should buy:
1. Logical Chess: Move by Move by Irving Chernev. This one has been the most commonly recommended book for beginners for decades, and with good reason. He goes through a bunch of master games, giving commentary on the reasons behind every single move in every single game. You'll learn good opening principles and how to play with a plan in the middle game.
2. Back to Basics: Tactics by Dan Heisman. This replaces the older Chess Tactics for Students by John Bain as my pick for best tactics book for beginners, though Bain's book is still a solid second choice. Going through a book of tactics puzzles chosen for their instructional value is always going to be better than just doing random puzzles on the internet. Plus, Heisman has lots of general tips and instruction besides just the puzzles.
3. Silman's Complete Endgame Course by Jeremy Silman. This one's big and intimidating looking. The good news is you don't have to read the whole thing for a very long time. It's well written and easy to learn from. Silman gives you easily manageable bits of useful information in each chapter. Then you put the book down and come back to it when you feel you need more endgame lessons. Every instructional book, on just about any topic, should be organized this way.
Besides that, play lots of slow games, and analyze your games afterward to see what you could have done better, preferably with the help of a stronger player.

Improving Your Chess - Resources for Beginners and Beyond...
https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/improving-your-chess-resources-for-beginners-and-beyond
https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell


Practice drills.Play vs stockfish 12 etc.study engine movement by writing in a not book.play with your Cousins and sisters.

Here are some general tips for all of you:
https://www.chess.com/blog/nklristic/the-beginners-tale-first-steps-to-chess-improvement
Welcome to the site, have a great time improving your chess.
+1