NikNack: You can do some reading
http://renju.org/
learn about openings and attend online classes http://www.renjuclass.com/
please note renju is not exactly five-in-line, but can give some ideas :)
(hide) If you want to find an opponent with similar playing skills to your own look in the Ratings page of the type of game you want and find a player with a similar BKR. (pauloaguia) (show all tips)