To echo jcrymal, come check out the SoC Training Academy, where we can give you the lowdown on a successful strategy for Escalating games. We also provide training in team play, although we like team students to have some experience before joining. Here's the link to our forum, the
SoC Training Grounds, and you can click on the thread that says "New Class Beginning!! Sign up here!!" and register for the next class.
As far as your question goes, it really does depend on the game settings. For Escalating games, it's usually better not to go for a bonus and instead have several good-sized stacks spread out at key spots. Europe's hard to take and harder to hold. I play a lot of Escalating games where a player takes Oz and sits there, only to be eliminated last. I've had more luck in South America when I got a good drop (3 of the 4 terts there), since you can attack north and east.
Bonuses are good, but not if it means weakening yourself and setting yourself (or another player) up for early elimination.
Come on by the SoC Training Grounds, read the stickied posts, and sign up for a class. Good luck, man!
