5 in a Row - iOS version

[Lorinan]

Alright,  I found a similar thread in the android section, but nothing here at all.  The 5 in a row is completely unbeatable for me when I try to follow the myriad of different "tricks" or "Patterns".  Nothing works, and I am starting to hate this game.  Will someone PLEASE help me with a way to get past this idiotic sham of a puzzle and let me get back to the real game?

[Lamkin]

Well, although my Gambit fails pretty miserably on iOS, my advice is still to try and set up two rows of two pieces each so that they will cross at the third piece. And always block once the old guy has three pieces in a row. Other than that, I'm not sure what other advice or suggestions to give you. :(

[Monnsqueak]

Yeah I know it's frustrating, at first I thought he was unbeatable too. Just take your time, really take your time with each turn. He is sneaky. Just keep at it and eventually, boom. It will happen by surprise like it did to me, I have beaten him only twice