[tehmaco]

I found that learning how one aspect (mining, farming, food, booze, fortifications, military, trading, etc) at a time helped.

I'd figure out how to get one aspect working (starting with the farming -> food/booze aspect), then something Fun would happen. I'd start a new game, figure out how to avoid that type of Fun, then get clobbered by another sort :D

[ethbro]

*For people unfamiliar with the game, "Fun" encompasses Things Going Very Wrong Very Quickly.