[Master Belisarius]

I play SE4 for fun, of course. But at least in my case, always have more fun if I'm the winner... then, always play for win.
But who want to be the winner of anything, without some kind of challenge? Then, a good SE4 game MUST be challenging, if not never will be interesting to me.

Playing against the AI:
1) I have no mercy.
2) Only sign a treaty, if I'm in a bad situation.
3) Never trade tech with the AI.
4) Never use Warp Openers/Closers.

Playing against humans:
1) Try to keep my word.
2) Most the time, exchange Population and Colonization early.