Small number dice aren't too important, so don't worry so much about losing them. Expect them to get eaten unless they're protected by other dice. In particular concentrate on capturing 5 and 6 point dice. It will be interesting to analyze some pgns and see how frequently dice of each value get captured.
If you have the choice between eating your dice or eating your opponents, it's usually better to eat his, though sometimes your own can be tastier.
The safest play is not always the best play. Sacrifices and trades can be useful.
Frequently holes open up which are protected from the main playing field. Put one pip dice there and they're safer.
Scan through and eliminate obviously bad positions (plays where your opponet can capture to 5 or 6) and concentrate on the remaining spaces.
