Well, I try not to talk in an online ranked game, because getting to know the person will only make you hold back. Player matches, go ahead, talk about basketball teams or whatever, but for ranked, I keep it strictly business.
Another tip. You know how all players can make their moves at the same time? Well faster, more affirmitive players get the upper hand here, so if your Spy lands right next to an enemy, make sure on the start of the next turn you get the hell out of there.
If you are in a heated situation in which you need to make a move first, try to stop all science generation if it is close to being finished. If you don't, on the start of your next turn, you will have to choose the next tech, and by then your opponent has already attacked you first.
Cheers.
