First turns Research and builds.

[Hunpecked]

Atrocities' advice is consistent with my experience against the AIs. I would add, however, that PPBs are less effective against optimized AIs (e.g. Berzerkers) or generic AIs with ECM, unless the player counters with sensors and training facilities.

I concur with the advice about early expansion and suggest following the standard 1-colony-ship-per-turn policy for the first 11 turns, with one or two spaceyards ready to take over when the homeworld is forced into slow build.

So far this thread hasn't mentioned min-maxing your racial traits, but this is where the game can be won before it's even played. I'd suggest enhancing research, construction, mining, and maintenance abilities at the expense of ground combat, intel, trade, farming, and refining.