If that pattern doesn't work, I do have some advice on strategy. Using the above image, see how the row that has
1 and
3 crosses the row that has
5 and
4? They cross at
8.
8 being the third piece for each row. My advice is to *always* set up two rows of two pieces each so that they will cross at the third piece. But wait to put down that third piece. Instead, put down the fifth piece in each row—
6 and
7 in the example above—and *then* put down that third piece.
Hope that makes sense. =)
Edit: Example game below. Note that you're going to have to block his moves on occasion. Also, you might want to try working backwards with the placement of your rows...meaning specifically your first four pieces...the example below shows what I'm talking about.
