Trust in instinct?

Should you trust your instincts in chess? Why do you think so?

It depends, for example if you have a strong intuition you should follow it(but still double check ) while if you have a poor intuition you should be wary of it.

yes

Probably not cuz every time I have done that I have lost

Trusting your instinct and losing should help to train and hone your instinct.

Question is is it instinctive to play chess or a learned behavior?

I do well to trust my instincts and it typically serves me well in return. As @asparagusic_acids notes though, you should still double check the lines. "Instinct" is seldom correct if used as a substitute for calculation, but an invaluable resource if it is accurate in guiding you where to calculate.

@SKP_NW, I would say chess is a learned behavior. "Instinct" is a misnomer name in chess because I was born with instincts like "eating" and not playing a sound Rook sacrifice to open lines on the enemy King for adequate compensation xD. The "instincts" in chess are trained behaviors. Some naturally learn quicker than others, but chess is a game that is taught - hence learned.

I don't think in terms of instinct. What I try and do is look at threats first, then play moves that go toward my strengths. You really need to well grounded in strategy. I recommend the book "Reassess Your Chess" by Jeremy Silman. If you plod through one paperback chess book in your life... it should be that book.

It's technically about middle game strategy, but the concepts can be used in both the opening, and early endgame stage. It won't take the place of learning opening theory, but you'll have a better understanding of what the opening moves are trying to accomplish, and be a bit less put out if your opponent forces you into unknown opening territory.

It's hard to explain what my strengths are, but I can usually get into a game I'm comfortable with: tactically rich with lots of room for pieces to move around. (But after 20+ years of favoring the French Defense, I'm pretty solid in cramped positions too.) I barely play the French anymore though.

There was one casual over the board game I won purely by instincts in all the difficult decisions of the game. At the end my opponent pointed out the downfall with the other possible move, which I had not even realised. It was a purely instinctive game.

I guess "instinct" is a broad term in itself. Some of my winning tactics in my games were purely based on instincts. Of course, I don't trust my instincts all the time (I have of course lost games o instincts), but I count on it most of the time.

Well, you summarised everything I needed to say in one short sentence.