furbster:

I have now played a few games, and I think on concept that is working for me is...

1. Plan both building and blocking moves. Prevent peices from getting to the middle, and keeping your there.

2. Don't get stuck. Watch available moves for all pieces make sure you don't get stuck with only 1 piece in the row so you can't move the distance need to join first.

3. As BBW said, avoid taking your oppenents pieces early on. Use it to take key peices that are linking two groups. Another concern to avoid getting blocked you may want to take a piece.