What's the best cunning plans for this bad boy?

Orcs: Take helms deep. Cut off the muster points. Watch your back in isengarde.

So the reverse for Humans then: Take Isengard. Hold Fangorn and the Muster points.

Yeah, if you take Isengard, the Orcs are sunk. And anytime you can get an attack from two or more territories (instead of just one) it's totally worth doing.

Orcs (only position I have played yet):

Try to find a balance of not spreading yourself to thin and not putting your eggs all in one basket is crucial IMO.  Getting an early block on the Fords of Isen, but also making progress in other areas of the map.

I agree with everything said in this forum thus far.  Just one clarification don't look to Helm's Deep as an early target because you can be easily blocked, since you are only able to attack from 1 direction.  I have tried to put all my eggs in that basket early on and was quickly snuck up on.

The Eastfold is the key factor in an even game. For the orcs, it is essential to threaten (even if you don't follow thru on the attack) as many key spots as necessary.

Holding the river crossings can be a game changer if you can make it happen.

Does anyone ever take Glittering Caves? I suppose I can see maybe waiting until Isengard is ready to stomp Helm's Deep, then retreating to Glittering Caves to preserve forces to retake the stronghold the next turn. Anyhow, I was wondering if others have thoughts on that point.

Generally, I take the Glittering Caves when the game is approaching a stalemate and I need a card, but I can see it's use in the way you describe.

After playing a few. Eastfold and Fangorn are the keys.

Rohan: Don't actually NEED to take Isengard as long as it's bottled up.  After that defense, defense, sucker punch (I beat the master twice doing this).  =D

Orcs: Swarm!

Shhhhhhh.....