The 1-2-1 pattern
Mine, safe, mine — the only arrangement that satisfies all three numbers.
A 2 flanked by two 1s has exactly one arrangement that satisfies all three numbers: mine, safe, mine. It is worth learning by sight, because it turns up constantly and needs no working out once you know it.
Drill 1 of 4
Flag every mine and open every safe cell you can prove.