by GreatDebate
Personally, I start every game assuming that I'll be attacking and staying out of Tokyo, like the TC says.That being said, I quickly adapt this strategy based on: 1) The cards that are drawn at the beginning; 2) Turn order; 3) My first round dice result; 4) The other players' first dice results; and 5) The other players' early decisions concerning Tokyo - along with what I predict to be their emerging play styles. Really, there's a lot of things that could happen that would make it tactically advantageous to go for points.
I just look to attack first, because if it's a free for all (and there are no cards I can get to defend myself or score fast points)then you almost have to jump in. But you have to make this decision by the end of the first or second round.
Wishy-washiness is not rewarded in this game.