Depends on what you like, of course. For example if i like to build towns, then for me StarCraft won't be the best
The best multiplayer strategic game must be CaC Generals. It is very fast and since there are not many units to worry about even a novice can quickly compete with the pros if they have the brain for it. Interesting thing is that i have never beaten my friend (in more than 50 games) no matter how much practised. On the other hand he has never beaten me in FIFA or NFS. Some people are just more strategic and do not cope well with instant action. Just a little observation I made
c&c general only for multi-player but i like more war games when i be alone . strategic games are much more better when you play against human being .
I remember my the only one favorite strategy was Command & Conquer: Read Alert Retalation. Spend many hours sitting in front of my playstation when I was young
recently i've just tried a game called POINT BLANK.. it's nice strategic game who made by local country..
Starcraft all the way...for RTS, its perfectly balanced with great visuals even till today. If you are talking turn based strategy, I'd have to go with the CIV series.