My experience was virtually identical with Michael Matola's, including no shutouts, one loss, but mostly landslides in my favor. I don't remember exactly, but a couple times the computer was left with 5-10 pieces; the rest mine.
My strategy is similar to MM's. For about 2/3 of the game I don't really pay any attention to how many pieces either side has - I just care about getting (and holding) the edges, and then the corners. The program does a decent job at the beginning - it stays in the center 16, avoiding the rows one in from the edge - and if you do move onto one of these rows, the program exploits the opportunity to seize the edge, as it should.
The program's play starts to break down after this though. The most common mistake it makes is if you've already got a piece on the edge, it will happily put its own piece right next to you. Naturally, this new piece doesn't last long.
Alternately, if the program succeeded in getting an edge first, I try to put a piece on the same edge
at least one space away from my opponent. Here again - the program will merrily fill in the gap, and then it's easy for me to flip the whole group next move, getting exclusive control of the edge (and probably the corners, soon enough).
More advice:
If you have the opportunity to put the first piece on an edge, and you have a choice of three consecutive edge spaces that you could play on - choose the middle one. Otherwise your opponent will probably be able to put a piece on the same edge next turn, one space away from yours (which is a standoff). If you take the middle spot, your opponent can probably only play on either side, with no space - which means you can seize control of the edge again next turn.
Avoid having two of your pieces on an edge with a space in between. If your opponent does this, play into the space, and then wait for an opportunity to grab the corner. (Or at end of game, everything up to an opposing piece.)
Great job you've done so far, Eric.
[ May 23, 2003: Message edited by: Jim Yingst ]