Matthew's Journal

I have that sort of problem too...

A few random things I do at low levels (as a mage, but I suspect generally applicable):
i) rest a lot. If you're not on max HP/SP, rest.
ii) search a lot. Run around with search on all the time until you get a thing (spell/rod/staff) that can find traps and doors
iii) scrolls of identify are your friend, once you can start to afford them; until then, pick up all the stuff you find, and don't worry too much about selling it to ID it. The exceptions are if you have good pseudo-id (in which case, drop ordinary weapons and armour), or things dropped by uniques
iv) try and detect monsters before fighting them. You really don't have to fight everything, and running away is often a good plan
v) carry 2 WoR scrolls in the dungeon - that way if one gets burned, you can use the other!
vi) if you're going to die anyway, no harm in trying un-id'd potions/mushrooms - otherwise, avoid them