As the first player with an empty board, I'm choosing the center position (1,1). This is strategically optimal because it gives me the most opportunities to create winning lines - four possible lines in total (horizontal, vertical, and both diagonals). Taking the center also allows me to respond effectively to any move my opponent makes, as I can work toward creating multiple possible winning configurations simultaneously. In Tic-Tac-Toe, controlling the center is generally considered the strongest opening move.