I am new just started today...

[Lurker]

 i need help getting started i have bought lots of mercenaries and buildings and stuff but how do i get out of protection... and what should i do before getting out of protection thanks all

 Okay... Once you've used 200 turns you will be out of protection. While you're in protection, build up on troops.

[guardians of night]

 Ya, I would agree with Ashyra. Build up troops. What I usually do though, is save up all my turns until I have the max in everything. Then I use the 200 turns, and I still have some left over to gain other things.  

[Dead Eye]

 Wait, you had 20,000 + guards earlier. I thought building guards was your strategy

[Arono]

 build markets too. you depend on them A LOT when you get higher in the rankings.

[Badrang the Tyrant]

 That's a new strat I'm trying on Turbo.  Have loads of Markets, Barracks, Huts, and Foragers.  Tents also help too.  (Also, if you want to be strong in defence, build guards on at least half of your land for a while.  This helped me get to the top)

[Arono]

 but if you want to do generals hut you have to demolish your huts for it too work.