Join a class
They teach terminator, escalating games with 6 or 7 players which will help you learn how to get some points without having to win the entire game. Standard games requires you to conquer the whole map to win. There are different strategies involved on those maps dependent on how many players, what type of spoils the game is and of course what type of map.
If you are relatively new, I would stick to maps that are easily understood before going on to maps that are complex. I have reached Lt. which is 1600 points (bouncing back and forth some with points so I tend to drop down a rank still) by playing mainly classic, world 2.1, polyponesian, Luxemburg, and feudal epic maps. Those are all easily understood, at least for me. I've played mostly terminator type games where you get points for each player you elimate and usually I can eliminate 1 or 2 people and break even or come out ahead. But a lot does depend on position and your understanding of the map. Right now I have 13 active games left out of about 40 that I was doing all at once and I pretty much am guaranteed to lose points in those games. I may eek out a kill or two but I'm not holding my breath, which is why I will lose my Lt Rank, lol.
But to gain some skill in escalating games and learn some strategy, join the next class on the society.
Quotes:
One thing I have learned, there is a God, and I'm not Him.
Going to church or using the right lingo doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to McDonald's makes you a hamburger.
Favorite game sweep:
Game 8041424