[tinkthank]

I am no master (although my grandfather, who taught me chess, actually was), but I can say this: controlling the center (or other stragetically important areas) in chess is *key*. It will cause you to win or lose. It is not obvious, it is not bombastic, it is not imposant, it is not "shock and awe"; it is none of these, but it will win (or lose) you the game.