My top TI3 tips.

Mostly for newer players, but can also apply to veterans as well, I present some of my tips to remember when playing TI3.

1) Avoid war, if at all possible: Sometimes the quickest way to lose in TI3 is to get into a prolonged conflict with another player. War hurts you economically and makes you spend command counters doing dumb stuff. Keep in mind that are perfectly good reasons to attack an opponent, make sure you keep those reasons in mind when attacking someone.

2) An alliance only lasts as long as all parties are receiving a benefit: Alliances are a big part of TI3, but so are betrayals. A game-lasting alliance can be a powerful tool, make sure to keep all parties interested in maintaining your alliance.

3) Avoid being in the lead: The current winner is a target for all other players nasty surprises. The safest place to be is in a tie for the lead, or one point behind him. If you are in the lead, make sure you are leading by a large margin.

4) Never let the person in the lead get his hands on Bureaucracy: Time and time again, I play games to find myself in the lead by one point, holding Bureaucracy. Sometimes I pull "Imperium Rex" and win or I pull something I can accomplish and pull ahead in Victory Points.

5) Don't let feuds span multiple games: So what if you and another player spend a game ruthlessly attacking one another, if you keep it up game after game, people take note, and just get out of your way while they win the game.

6) Get objectives every turn, if possible: If the game seems to consist of easy objectives, everyone will be getting points, every turn. Do not fall behind early because in late game, Bureaucracy is a commodity everyone will want.

7) Learn the objectives: Know when your enemies are about to get a Secret objective, it helps you prevent them from getting two Victory Points.

Keep these few points in mind during your games and you may likely find yourself on a more competitive level on your quest to rule the galactic throne.

-Mike