Hrqls: You're right, it's a lot easier in the second half. The first half is more about setting up for the second half. I try to keep a few internal pieces, while tempting my opponent to take the rest. Once they get a piece on a side, I'll "encourage" them to take the rest of it (except for the corners, of course). Although, every once in a while, I get a game where it's to my advantage to give them 1 or more corners. I'll do it if it means I get an entire side and the adjacent corner. Now I feel like I'm rambling. I'm looking forward to our games. I'll try to explain my moves as best I can.
Would anyone else in this board be interested in keeping track and following along?
John Baker