Why am I so bad with Dom3

[Endoperez]

To get better at early game, start games and try to get a second conquest force up as soon as possible, and to start building a second fortress or a place to recruit independent researchers as soon as possible. You might need to re-evaluate your early strategy, but it's very possible. As an example, I've played MA Ulm since Dominions: PPP, and have trusted in the Arbalests as my main expansion force. Just recently, thanks to a comment on these forums, I tried expanding with just their infantry and could suddenly expand at much higher rate.

Read the strategy guides from the stickied post. Magic booster guide is very important, and I also suggest reading Baalz's guide for EA Marverni. I loved how that guide explained in detail why good mages are so deadly, and why supercombatants are so deadly, and it all seems to work out just perfectly. That's what you have to be ready for, whatever your nation.