"Certain Daimyo's are harder to deal with than others. Try to form alliances with weaker Daimyo's against stronger ones. Then later you can destroy your weaker ally once the stronger Daimyo is defeated.

ex. Lord Takeda (Black) has cavalry early on in the game and is an unpleasant neighbor all around. Ally against him with someone like Lord Mori (Red) who will be easier to handle once Takeda is finished." - redSun

"Armor, Armor,Armor

The secret to success lies in building and armory as soon as possible and building armored units fast. " - craybrain

"During a battle here is a good tactic for Defensive battles. put all your swordsmen and light infantry in the center and your heavy spearmen on both sides of the medium/light infantry.Put your cavlry at the rear of your Heavy infantry. If the plan works your enemy will attack your center. If they do right before the center falls back under preasure use your infantry attack the enemy flanks. If the enemy has cavalry destroy them with yours then as the enemy infantry retreat attack them with your cavalry and watch the slaughter." - Silent deadly Ninja

"Balance your Army

4 - Long Range
4 - LIght Infantry
4 - Heavy Infantry
4 - Cavalry (2 Archers)" - DaKenSu