Whats the best connect 4 strategy?

Question

Whats the best connect 4 strategy?

Answer 1

If you're the first player, start in the middle and you can win by force.

Answer 2

Play against someone who either

* doesn't know how to play, or

* is heaps younger than you

:-)

Try to build 3 in a row, in a place where there is/could be an empty spot on both ends. That way the other player can block one end but not both.