When the opponent takes the center position, playing in a corner is strategically strong. By placing my O in the top-left corner (0,0), I create three potential winning lines - the top row, the left column, and the diagonal from top-left to bottom-right. This maximizes my options for future moves and forces my opponent to play defensively. If they don't block one of my potential threats on their next turn, I'll have multiple paths to victory. Corner play also prevents an early fork situation where my opponent could create two winning threats simultaneously.