I've been trying to scrutinize and adapt my strategies for the first 20 turns of the game (I'm playing on Prince level, sometimes Monarch).

I typically play standard to huge maps. I also like to play a random civ, so I'm not sure which traits I'm getting until the map comes up.

My goals for the first 20 turns are to get a worker out and connecting resources and I also try to get my 2nd or even 3rd city locations. I also make my tech decisions within this span.

That being said, what else should I be looking to establish in the first 20 or so turns?

You've basically hit the mark, but perhaps if you've met a sufficient number of other civs, who you will ally with?

Each game will be different and sometimes there will be other objectives but your summary should serve you well most of the time.

My goals for the first 20 turns are to get a worker out and connecting resources and I also try to get my 2nd or even 3rd city locations. I also make my tech decisions within this span.

That being said, what else should I be looking to establish in the first 20 or so turns?

"How do the pieces fit together?"

Find your first target, hehe

I'm having some barb trouble, early. I think I need to better time my build orders, for example, starting with a barracks until the pop hits 2 and then switching to a worker to start connecting resources. Completing the Barracks while researching Bronze Working and when both are done whipping out a settler.

I'll then build military (Warriors or Archers depending on the start) and chop out Stonehenge and The Oracle as I beeline to Priesthood.

You would have a lot less barb problems if you built 4 warriors instead of a barracks.

You would have a lot less barb problems if you built 4 warriors instead of a barracks.

And then the cottages? :lol:

I'm having some barb trouble, early. I think I need to better time my build orders, for example, starting with a barracks until the pop hits 2 and then switching to a worker to start connecting resources.

Worker first unless you have good reason to do something else.

If you aren't planning an early rush, barracks in the capital is a small trap. With all of the other stuff you have to do, it's going to be a while before the capital becomes a regular source of units, and until that time, the barracks is a waste of hammers. For aggressive leaders, the odds are a bit better because of the cheaper cost, but I would still be inclined to wait.