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[PrejudiceSucks]

If you only have interceptors than your soldiers can't be that good. Down the smaller UFOs with Interceptors (with Avalanches until you get Plasma Cannons) and take their elerium. Once you have an OK amount (say 200) then start investing in Plasma Cannons and armour for your soldiers. Heavy Plasmas are handy for beginners, they kill in pretty much one shot (even Mutons are downed in one), but a lot of people prefer Laser Rifles, me included.

If you are getting really beaten, I suggest just running away. Don't give the enemy a chance to kill all of yor soldiers, you are given credit for even turning up, use it.

Oh for some of you veterans, here is a hint (that you may know, but whatever). There is no problem if you just intercept a ship (of any size) but do not attack it. You get points for not ignoring it, so just attack those battleships (even at the start) but run back to base.