Break chains before you start matching. This also applies to the corners. Breaking the chains before everything gets jumbled may make it easier. Chained pieces will stay in the same positions until the chains are completely broken. Line up magic runes to finish the level automatically. You must do this five times to get the "Princess" citizen.
When you start with a new level and you have double chains (only in the higher levels) and it may be difficult to complete, completely exit the game immediately. Start the game again and you will now have single chains and the level will be easier to complete.
Cities require resources for purchase. Create extra matches on the resources you need in order to purchase the next city. Finishing levels quickly earns you the resource the game determines you need the most. Every 20,000 points results in an extra life. Try to link five tiles or more to get the maximum amount of points.
In the harder levels towards the end of the game, create matches in the hard to reach corners first. Save your bonuses during the last levels because there is no bonus round to replenish them.
Use fully-upgraded power-ups early to have time to refill it. By doing this, you can refill it and use it again or save it until the next level. If possible, do not use power-ups at the end of a level so that they can be used it in the next round. If you only have one match to finish a level, match as many power-ups as you can and replenish your bonus so you will have it for the next round.