have you tried MultiPlayer mode yet?

[Ezco]

Yes I have. My first long term Dominions game is currently running and I even played and lost fair and square my first blitz against that Evil Homer. My advice to new players is
to first beat AI at least on easy and normal settings, but even if you don't you can do pretty well in a long term multiplayer game by being more socially acceptable. Here is some few advices I have for complete newbies that will come handy. (maybe i'll write a faq some day but I'm pretty lazy and these are only meant for more than 2 player game and are quite general no matter what the game is)

1. Use diplomacy, send messages, trade gems, make alliances. Some people try to make remove diplomacy from their games in more than 1vs1 games not viable but I'm sorry to say that is just not possible. Pacts are pacts even if they are wordless and people like me who play to win tend to go after the biggest obstacle (most powerful nation). Because thats just a smart thing to do.

2. Keep your promises almost always. I don't mean mean that you cannot backstab someone but if you will make it count. You will never make that guy trust you again completely. Your best ally is a nation who is as powerful as you are.

3. If you're about to be rushed by a larger nation threaten to give your assets (magic items, gems, money) to their biggest threat. That stops a smart enemy. If doesn't pay his biggest threat to protect you.

4. If you somehow manage to be most powerful nation. Lie, deceit, mislead and finally most powerful weapon against stupid players WHINE. Accuse someone of having weapons of mass destruction (Super Combanants, very large armies, hidden troops etc), because if they're smart they have some. And that whining can seed sow seeds of discord among stupid people (Not fair you ganging up on me! etc). Just don't try it on me, because I will come after you even if you're not the biggest nation.

5. Reasons someone does not send you any messages:
- They're stupid or trying to buy time to attack you. So always attack someone who is playing a mute game.

6. Big army = big upkeep. It does not pay to be at peace with everyone if most of your income goes to upkeeping your troops. So pick a target but do so carefully and if possible declare war publicly.

I would now like to take time and say this. Play to the bitter end and you'll learn much more, there is always hope. I play to win and go after my biggest threat even if it risks a quicker demise. If you play only to survive you will propably survive longer but never win a game (I tend to look down on those kinds of players).

7. None of this is really important to win (I haven't won over 2 player game) a game, but I still think you should consider these things when you make your decisions.

Just have to add this. I'm living in a cold forest country without any resources or large pop. But we have quite good research and diplomats so we're doing OK.