Whenever you are beginning a new level, be sure to look at the board and try to figure out the most difficult elements on that level. That way, you can attack those elements first and foremost, rather than just going for it without a plan.

Beginners tend to rush into the level without really considering all their options. Make sure to pause between moves to properly assess where you can make the biggest combos. Blindly trying your luck is tempting, but you'll probably just end up losing lives rather quickly and having fewer chances to beat the level as a result.