Alquerque
Learn
A short path from the first move to a game you can hold your own in.
Step {number}: The centre point is the game
One point is empty at the start, and for the first several moves every capture that exists is a consequence of where that hole is. Track it. Whoever controls which piece may enter the centre controls the opening.
Step {number}: You cannot take a move back
In the standard game a piece that advances can never return. Every step forward is permanent, so a piece pushed too far is a piece lost from your defence for the rest of the game. Advance in support of each other, not alone.
Step {number}: Winning without capturing
Because a player with no legal move loses, an opponent whose pieces are all jammed against each other has already lost even with pieces on the board. On this small a board that is a realistic plan, not a fluke.