Confused by puzzles

Hi, I'm a beginner chess player trying to fix my constant blundering through chess puzzles. Got up to 700-750 and it seems to be working decently, but in about 1 in 10 puzzles I'm just utterly confused as to what the puzzle wants from me, e.g. https://www.chess.com/puzzles/problem/735054

What is the point of moving the knight there? Why is black blundering by attacking my king? Why does there not seem to be any tactical relation between the first and second move?

I'm sure that it somehow makes sense, but how do I figure out the logic behind these puzzles as a beginner?

In the puzzle you link white must defend the mate on the back rank and this is why the first rook move is made. Then Nf3 threatens mate on h2. There is no defence to this threat so to delay the inevitable white checks with the rook. Puzzles are almost always looking for you to find a very forcing sequence, so that is what to look out for. For me, just playing games is a better way to learn though. 

I see, that makes sense. Still, it would make a lot more sense if the puzzle actually continued to the checkmate it that's the central idea. The rook checking the king and you having to capture it is pretty pointless if the puzzle is just going to stop after that.

The puzzles generally being about forcing your opponent is a good tip, I'll look out for that more. And yeah, games are obviously the best way to improve generally, but it's not a very effective way to stop blundering as a beginner lol. Thanks for the help.

No worries. Beginners often do puzzle after puzzle but then cannot transfer this to improving in actual games. The reason is that in a puzzle you know there is something to find, but in a game it is easy to make 'normal' moves and miss your chances because you aren't looking for tactics. 

Hello,

In my opinion, chess has 4 main territories: openings, strategies, tactics and endgames. You should improve all these territories at the same time, that's how you could increase your level faster. Tactics is just one area (but of course, it is important) and there is a good method to learn how to calculate precisely (I can help you with that). At beginner level, it is also very important to analyse your games deeply and learn from your mistakes. You can do it with chess.com enginges but it is not enough. It can tell you if a move was good or bad, but can't explain why (and which is the good plan behind the moves). You need to do it with a stronger player or a coach. I am an official coach, who can help you with all these territories. If you are interested in working with me, please, check my profile and if my conditions are suitable for you, you can send me a private message.  Here, you can find some feedbacks about my coaching services: https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-lessons/feedbacks-from-my-services I am looking forward to your message.