Once you play EL-IXIR a few times, you will develop an appreciation of the subtitles and intricacies involved. Situations may look deceptively simple, but unless you think of your overall strategy you may be in danger. Here are a few hints for you
Remember! Connecting squares takes place by sides (not by corners).
Evaluate your situation between the moves. Decide your choice of location only after you have seen ALL four choices.
Get an EL-IXIR square early in the game if you can. You MUST get at least one EL-IXIR square to survive.
Block your opponent's access to their EL-IXIR squares, but be alert they don't block you from your EL-IXIR squares.
Big chains have the advantage. It is much more difficult to surround and win a larger chain of connected squares. So whenever you can, join small chains to make a bigger one.
As long as any chain is not connected to an owned EL-IXIR corner, it can be recaptured. This is especially important if your opponent has blocked you from your EL-IXIR corners with a chain that can be captured by you. By doing so you will connect to your EL-IXIR corner.
