Thank you for playing. I've added the following to the 'Echoes of War' game page.
'Strategy' hint - be proactive about moving the game pieces around from the very start. Actively arrange pumpkins to clear room for cats so they have more move options. You are trying to maintain the total number of 'open spots' on the board and ensure open spots are near cats. Any gravestone that does not smash a pumpkin (or cat) will reduce your open spots. Prevent open spots from getting trapped behind gravestones; if spots are about to become inaccessible, keep shifting pumpkins to fill those spots as well as the spots where gravestones will drop. While you can't avoid the luck element, you can maximize your chances through gameplay choices and execution.