The good old game of the last decade, or maybe more than that. But it is known that still, there are people who run competitions over this game, and bets fly like eagles lowering down on their prey. Everyone stops and stirs with past memories of victory or shame, when word of this game passes. In all of last generation strategy game players, there is certainly a long desired - but cannot be reached - passion of defeating a certain player in this game, which is, with no wonder, someone they once lost the game against, someone who have defeated them once or more in it. Since there are still people who play this game, and still people who are willing to play the game, has their hands and mind functionable, it is likely that you may find your opponents for your empire, on the ultimate field of battle, computers!
But since you aim to sate the hunger inside you that grew so huge over those hopeless years of waiting for the right opponent whose demise might be satisfying, you ought to know, how to gain victory first. Theres a latin proverb which says, learn to obey, before you command. Therefore, if you need win, a battle when your forces are thin, you have to know your opponent, and hit him across the chin. Every player has their own style of playing, and your tactics should be adjusted depending on his actions. However, this applies only if it is your opponent who has the upper hand. Now, through proper enthusiasm and determination, you can, in fact, attain a pace in the game, where your foes need catch with you first, apropous, dependant tactic adjustments taken by them instead. But right again we came stumbling in the same question, how?
Let me tell and guide you through this adventurous process. First, when your forces are laid down on the field of battle, which matters little if aim and way known and comprehended well enough, you have to identify the strenght of what you have, and what may come handy. In most ocasions, you start with a town centre, and a few villagers around it. Lumber is the source you have to focus on, as to build an empire, first you need more than a town centre as in buildings. Meanwhile, with your given meat, order your town centre to begin researchs of next age. Establish the base of your economy strong, that when time comes and immediate replenishment become impending necessity, your economic properties must be willing and able to support your corps. Go ahead with building a quick-gather post for all of resources avalible. Then select a resource and a way to gather it, according the the map, this can be lumber, food, maybe even gold. You need to rush on that particular resource while keeping a safe balance of other resources aswell, when you are at feudal age and built a market. Build many command posts and economic buildings around so you may always have alternate ways o survival if required. Vary the type of your forces along in light infantry, heavy infantry and cavalry, archers, and siege equipment. March cadenced, divided, and fight concentrated. Always try to provoke your enemy to lure him to where your forces are able to rout them en-de mass. Interrupt their resource outposts and intercept any attempts on your own. These trivial occurances are most oftenly those who turn the tides and write the fate of the battle. Followed all these instructions it is most unlikely that you might still loose. Eventhough, it is a bad plan, that cannot be altered.