Going for 2hko is the secret for staying at 1000.
those are generally 2 of the harder clans to play. SOA is very strong and nearly vital. Roots are low price and high power. (Jeto, noodile, rico, yookie) All-stars, nightmare, gheist are all very strong, popular clans as well. Keep an eye on what's banned. Copper and Oshisune are both unbanned and are major threats to be prepared for. And hugo is unbanned this week too.
The secret to winning? Choose your battles, conserve pills, call bluffs, don't get your math wrong, be patient, keep learning.