There is a little circle split into four sections at the bottom right corner. The small white dot on it represents you and your current location on the map. You can avoid encounters that usually happen near the center of the map by drifting into the outlands. Once there you can absorb stray particles safely. After your snake gains some length, consider taking out other snakes. Use speed boosts to get surprise attacks. Move alongside another snake, then quickly speed boost to pass them and force them to crash into you. If done fast enough, they will collide with you. When two other snakes are fighting, remain nearby but not too close. Do not scare them off. When one of them gets defeated, quickly move in and get as many particles as possible.