Move a key to each available new connection. If you have any keys left over, carry the most possible metal back to the home world while still making sure that each key moving to a new location has at least three ships. At this point any key can move to any other open connector by moving through the home world, so your choice of keys is very flexible. At turn 3 the plan finally comes together. Now is the time to prepare to meet other players.
Every new world has a key with at least three ships on it.
If you are a merchant, drop one consumer good so that any player crossing over will know that you are a merchant. Move the largest keys possible to all unexplored worlds, and you are ready to meet the other players. On turn 4 you will usually meet two to four other players. Some will cross over to the world you just left, others will meet you at the new world. You will also be capturing some new worlds.