this is how I play...
if conquered at start:
1. stay conquered and finish all resource and military structures.
2. boost some workers/ some metal and oil (using blues)
3. build up my army and mass OP's
4. conquer my conquerer (easily)
5. MASSIVE CONQUERING!!!
6. get top 20 or 30.
7.get into a winning alliance.
If i'm not conquered:
steps 1-3 and 5-7
Once again i'll compare it to a guide to life:
1:. Live in your mother's basement and don't work, instead live on the government's money.
2:. Buy a good suit, computer, basically everything that is important for a job except for a job.
3:. Start doing paperwork (but don't actually do it for anyone)
4:. Run for president
5:. TONS OF VOTES!!! (?)
6:. Get into the parliament
7:. Get into the government.
See where it goes wrong with your guide now?