Filler — Strategy
VOG — Vinco Online Games
Not just greed
The obvious move is the colour that takes the most cells right now. It is a good habit: a player who always moves this way beats beginners. But strong play starts with a question: what will this move open up?
Look one move ahead
Captured cells become part of the border. A colour that takes three cells but brings you to a big patch of one colour is often better than a colour that takes five cells and runs into a patchy edge. Hover over a button: the table highlights what the move takes — then look at what lies beyond the highlight.
Grow towards the middle
Cells by the edge and in your own corner are not going anywhere: the opponent will reach them last. The contested cells are in the middle of the board and between you. Growing towards the centre and towards the opponent takes what they would otherwise take, and prepares cutting off regions.
A long border means more choice
The longer the border, the more colours on it and the more likely the next colour takes a lot. A narrow "tongue" stretched in one direction easily runs into awkward colours. A wide front keeps your choice open.