[Arkcon]

Sorry 'bout the poll ... but you left me no choice ... it took me a while, but eventually even I cracked the default AI with no bonus. Suggestions:
1). Minefields orbiting planets.
2). Plan out your research without the game running. Pick a couple of weapons and stick to it.
3). Watch your income every turn, even if it seems boring at first, learn what things cost, so you build responsibly and expand agressively. You need minerals, rad, research planets, intel planets and shipyard planets.
4). Design and build ships with a plan in mind. Don't just build 'cause you can.
5). Turn on all ministers. You should automatically beat the AI if you're all using the same AI, and you overide a stupid decision once and a while. And you;ll learn what you have to do to play the game.

What, specifically, happened in your latest game?