As a GM I’d like to feel like I fully understand how to utilize my monsters tactically, but over the past couple months as I’ve been running the beginner box and now leading into Abomination Vaults, I feel as though I’m very often just making three strikes with an enemy or moving and striking twice unless the enemy has a very specific action in its statblock which is obviously better. Like a dragon is obviously supposed to use its breath weapon, but then I ran goblin warriors last night and I couldn’t even figure out how to use their scurry reaction beneficially.
Usually, attacking 3 times is a pretty good option for monsters, since they have such inflated attack bonuses. It is really good to model good tactics for your players if you remember to, though. (I usually forget to do this.)
For more intelligent monsters, have them step back out of melee range with their 3rd action, or open with a Grab, Trip, or Demoralize. Those are actions any monster with the skill can take.
Generally if a monster has a unique action, you should use it as soon as applicable (even if it’s not technically the best action to take). Monsters have limited screen time, so make sure to showcase the unique things they can do!
For something like goblin or kobolds, would it be better to try to hide/strike/strike rather than just striking thrice?
If they have something to hide behind, sure! Keep in mind that if they’re adjacent to an enemy, they’ll probably have to Take Cover, Hide, Strike. Or if they’re not adjacent: Hide, Sneak, Strike.