Choose your upgrades carefully. Improving your helmet, armor, and shield are good starting options. Some good items to get are as follows.

Gem Shield: Recommended for Tournament mode. Magnet Shield: Draws gold coins to you.

Item	How to unlock
Angel Helm (800 gold)	Replenishes your Winding power once per life.
Hard Helm (5,500 gold)	Protects against falling objects and catapults once per life.
Spiked Helm and Red Caterpillar Armor (13,000 gold each)	Allows you to move through enemies, flame jets, catapults, and falling objects without harm.