> I've now played about 70 games of Zertz + 11, and it is
> looking to me and my opponent that the second player seems
> to have an advantage. The player playing second seems to
> have more wins, and seems to not work as hard to get them.
>
Your observation is correct. I agree that the second player has a
slight advantage, but I usually look at that from a different
perspective.
IMHO the two players just have different roles in the beginning (i.e
the roles may change during the game). The starting player has the
defensive role and the second player has the offensive role.
That is, because the second player has potentially the first chance to
make a profit with forced capturing moves after the third marble is put
into play (by the starting player).

> I was hoping some more experienced players would be able to
> tell me I have it all wrong, and that we are just locked
> into a certain style of play. Assuming that is what you do,
> what are some things we need to know to get out this
> thinking. (Especially, what is a good opening for the
> starting player?)
>
I don't know your current playing style, but considering the roles I
suggested above, the first task of the starting player is to avoid a
profit situation when placing the third marble on the board. If he
succeeds, the second player has to put the fourth marble on the board,
and that probably creates a profit situation for the starting player.

I have no time left to go more into detail now, but we can discuss this
further if you like.

Michael Reitz