So, how do you play this game?

[capnq]

SlipperyJim said: Know thine opponents.

When I'm considering an attack where it's not obvious I can win, I click on my and their troops and add up the total melee strength vs. hit points. I still get surprised sometimes by special abilities of things I haven't run into before.

Mind your surroundings! Independents can walk in and re-capture those lucrative villages, towns, farms, & mines that you worked so hard to add to your empire. You probably won't have enough money to recruit enough troops to defend everything, so you might try a "zone defense" strategy. Let the independents capture your farm for a turn or two, but re-conquer it ASAP.

Don't fritter away your troops by attacking neutrals that aren't occupying a revenue space or a strategically placed fortification.

The first game where I got a decent revenue stream going was playing a Cardinal of El. Most of your commanders can bless squares to increase the income, and your deity periodically gives you another commander for free.