(The Rally button is the red circle with swords pointing to the center at the bottom left of where you deploy your troops). If the defender looks too strong, don't attack When you face an easy opponent, go for all his defenses so you don't lose your army
Then, go for the Town/City Center for an instant win by rallying.
Try to attack with a blessing for your troops.Upgrade your War Academy so you can use more Tactics in one battle (good combination is health and sabotage).If you advance an age, the cost of searching for a battle will increase by 50 gold every age - The amount of loot you will get from lower ages than you will be reduced per age as well while increasing for higher ages.Look for upgrading defenses for weak spots.