Noel:

You've demonstrated that you like to gather and use good information.
Before you read specific task strategies, make sure you understand the
rules. As mentioned speed always counts a lot more than distance
points, so strive to finish the task first. Distance points are just a
consolation prize.

I suggest you read the regional contest rules carefully (download them
at the SRA web site if you haven't done so already), then give the SRA
contest guide another read.

One thing you'll realize is that a TAT (also called AAT) is just an AT
with bigger turn radii and a minimum task time. Other than that
they're scored the same, and of course TATs give you the opportunity
to route your task to more favorable weather and terrain.

As you start to understand the rules you'll find that task strategies
are a basic application of common sense and the usual x/c strategies
(stay upwind of courseline, watch weather & terrain, delay thermaling
if possible when approaching a turnpoint from downwind, etc).

After the rules and SRA guide, read everything you can find by Moffat
and Cochrane. The Reichmann and Brigliadori books are translated so
don't read as easily.

And never forget there is no substitute for cockpit time. Learning the
art of detecting lift and deciding when or whether to turn was (and
still is) a far more daunting task to me than getting the arms around
rules and strategies!

~ted/2NO