Just like the title says, I'd like to improve my play, but I'm not sure how to start. In general, what are good ways to get better? Will I just learn from experience, or are there specific things that an ordinary player needs to know/improve in order to become more formidable?

As a secondary question, is there anything that specifically I can improve? I'll post some recent game examples here. Definitely don't feel obligated to, but if you would like to briefly look them over and give me suggestions, I would be forever indebted to you.

1. http://WarLight.net/MultiPlayer.aspx?GameID=2986986
2. http://WarLight.net/MultiPlayer.aspx?GameID=2984071
3. http://WarLight.net/MultiPlayer.aspx?GameID=2984073
4. http://WarLight.net/MultiPlayer.aspx?GameID=2959025
5. http://WarLight.net/MultiPlayer.aspx?GameID=2957131

Firstly, I'd just like to say before I make my point that I'm really not in anyway able to comment on actual gameplay and tactics and stuff - not being that great personally. (In fact, looking at your stats, I'd say you seem to be quite a long way better than me)

But, my point is, that you just seem to give up a bit easily in the games, like in all of them that you surrendered your income was greater or equal than your opponents just before you surrendered - they didn't seem to be impossible to win. So, maybe just hang on a bit longer if you can? I have to admit, I do the exact same thing (surrendering early) loads of times, and I understand why it's done.

I don't really have much ideas about the rest of your gameplay (I have to admit - I didn't really look) but maybe that one thing? I may be wrong, and as I say I'm not really that good to speak about improving - but just thought I'd mention that.

If you know why you are surrendering, then it's ok. But if you only think the game is lost, but dont really know why (you cant tell what is the decisive advantage) then you shouldnt surrender that quickly. The games, where you surrendered were lost beyond repair.

You seem to have a problem with how to balance expantion and fighting. This was best seen in the second game you posted. Had you not tried to take eastern asia, you most liekly would have won that one. Under the same category you seem not to know which territories are cruical and which to hold to keep the balance of power. In game 1, loosing in russia was the moment you lost the game.

As for picks (the MOST important aspect of the game) you seem to preffer big bonuses. I didnt analise the games compleatly, so it might be justified in those cases, but it seemed a little odd to me.

That's from a very brief analisys, so I might be wrong in some aspects.

best regards

Haven't reviewed the posted games so can't speak to them.

However, my advice for ways to improve would be to check out some of the ladder games played by the top 10. Can pick up some different approaches, techniques and strategies. Another option is to find someone you have previously played or interacted with on the forums and set up a game with them asking for their advice. Most experienced players are willing to give some pointers if asked politely.

I'll just point out some things I noticed.

Game 1: With you picks you have full knowledge of your opponents starting locations. You have picks adjacent to 2 of his, with the last of his not being too far away. You should value getting Australia finished early, then apply pressure on W Russia and C America, leaving him with only one bonus, C Russia, which you eventually can break too as its next to W Russia.
When you can, do 4v2 attacks rather than 3v2s. Not only is it a safe take, you also get spare troops you can use to delay your orders.

Game 2: Your picks are slightly out of place. Assume you get your 1,2,3; what do you do? If you opponent is in S America and W Russia you have 0 safe bonuses whereas his last should be one. Simple equation, player with a bonus beats a player with only the base income. Try to value safety along with efficiency when you pick.
Then you get 2 safe picks, yet try to knock your opponent out of S America. Try to finish quick bonuses and hit him when you are stronger than him. Know to time your attacks. (Also, never do 1v1 attacks unless you desperately need to delay orders)

Game 3: No major mistakes here, not the picks I would choose but they are not horrible by any means. Dagorin takes a fast bonus at the cost of picking in a wasteland. He then locks himself down to 8 income for the rest of the game which becomes his defeat.

Game 4: Again, with the picks, you don't value safety. Assuming you face a cunning opponent, he might take W Russia and C Russia as his 3,4 or 4,5; with a late Caucasus pick. Assuming he gets Caucasus, your two picks are turned into battlefields and you are locked down to expanding from one location. Personally I would value Africa in this game, should you get both W and E Africa you are looking at an almost completely safe 13 income with a front toward possible expansion in S America.
As the game starts, you move in toward W Russia during turn one with only a 3v2 attack and no early additional income. You give him a front with an army advantage for nothing. I suppose you wanted to scout wheter he tried to complete the W Russia bonus. Then you are better of getting a quick India, then moving up strong making sure you have an army advantage when you border him.

Game 5: I kind of like your picks in this game, you pick safe bonuses and manage to hit your opponent when you are strong.

If you so wish you can invite me to a game and we can discuss further and possibly play a bit.

"You seem to have a problem with how to balance expantion and fighting."

This is my biggest problem I think. I have been playing some ranked matches with people of various skill levels and when I lose, I can always point to an instance of this. It derails the entire game beyond repair (most of them have been smaller quicker maps, so this is very early but decisive).

Just so you know, many good players are willing to play a 1v1 with you and discuss things you could have done better after that game. I recently have gotten better because I took the time to make 30 or so 1v1 games with players I have always lost, and they helped me immensely. Just make a game and tell them to feel free to decline and you're just looking for a game when they have time.

I would suggest that you play with lots of French players when starting out. You will feel like an pro.

So that explains how you managed to win over 50%... knew there had to be some justification for such an unexpected outcome.

Stop being such a noob and be a pro like me with my whole 30 wins I got a lotta experience noobs. Your all just jealous.

Thanks so much for the ideas guys. Luxis, there are so many things I learned from your analysis of my picks especially. I never looked at it from a safety point of view, which is part of my problem. I still have a long, long, long, long way to go, but I have begun to think more strategically about my picks, and I already notice vast improvements.