Should you sacrifice pieces and which ones?

Hi I get into positions where I am able to take the opponents piece but then I would lose one of my pieces. Is this a sensible thing to do or not? Also which pieces would you never ever sacrifice apart from the Queen I think obviously yes? Thanks for any tips on this. Anna x

Only sacrifice where there is material advantage or no other sensible option.

Sorry what does this mean please?

Can u check my previous match

A very rough rule-of-thumb is that pawns are worth 1 point, knights and bishops 3 each, rooks 5, and queens 9. "Points" are not mentioned in the rules of chess - you win by checkmating your opponent, not by accumulating points, but the above rule-of-thumb will help you to see which side has a material advantage, and how much.

A "sacrifice" is an offer of material to the opponent which cannot be immediately recovered. Players do this to gain a positional advantage. If you are able to immediately regain material of equal or greater points value, then we use the word "exchange" rather than "sacrifice".

Since you are just beginning, I doubt you are yet capable of judging which side has (or would gain) a positional advantage. So I recommend you avoid making sacrifices.

Exchanges are a different matter. Some rules of thumb are: Avoid exchanges if you are down in material. If you are up in material, try to make exchanges to simplify the position. If you are equal in material, and you have the initiative and are attacking your opponents king, then exchange off his important defenders, but otherwise avoid exchanges. Do the opposite if you are the one whose king is under attack.

Wow ok thank you I think I get it now!!! xxx

When you are this new to the game (eg. <500 rating) then a useful way to evaluate exchanges is based on a point system.
A pawn = 1 point.

A Knight or Bishop = 3 points each.

A Rook = 5 points.

A Queen = 9 points.

So, you would not want to give up a Rook (5 points) for your opponents Knight (3 points) as you'd be 'material down', but you may consider giving up one rook (5 points) for two of your opponents minor pieces (eg. a Bishop and Knight = 6 points total).
As you get more experienced and advanced, you'll learn there are many exceptions to this rule, such as when you 'sacrifice' a higher value piece for a lower value piece, but you may gain something else in return such as initiative, removing a vital defender of the opponents king, or a simply a big attack.
Solving tactical puzzles will help you with learning those exceptions, as a lot of puzzles revolve around this.

Thank you I have been looking at the points system I think this will help me x

I'm always weary of an opponent willing to sacrifice as its usually for a reason.

First, there is a big difference between trading pieces (which means that both players lose an equal valued piece or Pawn), or sacrificing pieces (which means that you are giving away one of your pieces or Pawns in return for something less tangible... an attack, perhaps, or a few extra moves).

Trades are not much of a problem, and should be decided based on other factors (eg: center control, gained or lost time, etc).

Here is an example of the sort of things that are gained or lost during even trades... the sort of things that you should be thinking about.

Thank you soo much for this! xxx

When to exactly sacrifice or trade pieces varies from position to position , remember the value of each piece and also that it may change according to the game , like a passed pawn may be more valuable than a knight in an endgame , so taking decisions pragmatically is important . There is no fixed piece which you shouldn't sacrifice (except the king of course ) , instead understanding the criteria of when and what piece is more important . Even a queen can be or should be sacrificed , but only in a situation where its sacrifice leads to a huge positional advantage on your part or leads to check mate of opponent's king . The important part is identifying the sacrifice and correctly maneuvering it to your advantage which can be done through practice

Thank you I have been sacrificing in my games but not really sure if its working as I keep losing now!

Keep practicing and you'll eventually get better . Also understand basic principles and look out for gaps in position of opponent

Ok thank you I am trying!! x

Assess the position and look for concrete tactical or positional advantages that result from the sacrifice.

"Sacrifice" is not the correct term. You are talking about exchange. You should trade because you gain material out of the trade, if you lose material don't. As for equal trades, remember that "to trade is a mistake" if you're not improving you're position / worsening your opponents.

As for "Also which pieces would you never ever sacrifice apart from the Queen I think obviously yes?" sometimes you should exchange the Queen for the opponent's, sometimes not. You should also trade the Queen for opponent's two rooks most of the time.

"To trade or not to trade - that is the question." - Me

Thanks guys well hmm its hard for me to still know when and when not to trade I have tried a few and now I keep losing I've not won in ages I'm not sure why this game is making me addicted I cant stop playing it to get better!!!!