Noob Puzzle Question

Hello, apologies if this is a stupid question, but how do I know what the goal of a puzzle is? I'm one of those people riding the hype-train of Queen's Gambit, so I'm super new to all of this. I thought I was always looking for checkmate in the puzzles, but I just got stumped by one that ended after trading some pieces in pursuit of the enemy queen. So is there a way to know the goal for a specific puzzle, or am I supposed to be able to figure out the best play, whatever that may be?

On the same note, is there a finite set of possible goals? Am I always looking for either checkmate or queen? Or could it be something like finding the right sequence to gain an advantageous position? Because if that's the case I'm just gonna give up on puzzles until I'm not so clueless.

Thank you!

Hi

The solution is normally mate or material advantage, winning a piece. Rarely is it winning a pawn. You have to find this so it's a case of look for a move then look for a better one. The solution is also the best advantage in the position so if you win a queen but miss that a different set of moves gives you mate you lose the puzzle. The mate solution should be the fewest moves so if you mate in 4 but miss that a different move order would mate in 2 you lose. Puzzles rely on knowledge of tactical patterns, forced moves and powerful moves (checks, captures and threats), there are lessons on these if you are not familiar with them. Ignore the clock and solve them in your head before moving pieces to get the most benefit.Aim to get them right first time.

I make that 6 puzzles a day, average 3.5 minutes per puzzle, 40 minutes tactics training per day. That's a fair reflection of my study. I study about 5-7 hrs per week, normally in week day evenings after my kids have gone to bed. So chess is very much a new hobby.

sorry phone. until November study time was split between rated puzzles on here and playing through annotated GM games OTB. I've just spent most of Nov. going through Amateur's Mind so doing less puzzles. I played chess in my early teens but only pushed pieces, didn't know about tactics. That was 30 years ago. PM if you'd like to swap study ideas.

Tactics are important but I'm not of the view that study for beginners should be all tactics. I believe in a balanced approach, developing all areas including positional play and strategy. It's just a matter of emphasis rather than all and nothing. I dont mind losing if I have a positional, even if I lose to a tactical short. I hate losing while aimlessly shuffling pieces around.

positional=positional plan