Learn some great decreases and when to use them:
One stitch decreases
k2tog/p2tog - right sloping on right side of work
ssk, sl1k1psso, k2tog tbl/p2togtbl - left sloping on right side of work
Two stitch decreases
k3tog/p3tog - right sloping on right side of work
sssk, sl1k2tog psso, k3tog tbl/p3togtbl - left sloping on right side of work
Centred Double Decrease - no sloping