So, i started a new job, and the break room has a chess board. so i played a couple of people. I beat the best guy at the store (its retail) and lost to an average player.

why?

It think its because of im used to playing against all you high quality chess players (here at chess.com) and im not used to john doe chess player.

so i guess my question to pose to you is, how to beat some one who isn't attacking with normal strategy?

Is controlling the middle still to my advantage? Do i want to trade as much as i can? do i try and go for a quick mate? What are some strategies for these types of games?

Because the guy isnt playing to any set rule or strategy(probably doesnt have the knowledge yet), he has nothing to lose by throwing out moves that might seem unreasonable. Yet they put you in an uncomfortable position, so you over analyse moves that are in reality mistakes. That was my experience at any rate. Once I looked back at the game later, I realised I had the game won many times over. Thats the first and last time i lost like that. Now i have gotten into the habit of measuring a persons skill in the opening moves, if they have no rating to go by.

The best way is to be as aggressive and unreasonable as possible. That should throw them off their game. Scare 'em to death.

That’s one reason why it’s often difficult to get better players to play you. They know it’ll tear down their game if they do. And that’s a fact.

It's very easy... play your strategy as usual, try to gain as much space as possible and not to trade unless you get some advantage... just wait for some blunder as it will come for sure :o)

Sounds like you're too comfortable for certain lines. Just play by the same principles you always have and you can't fail...

This is where tactical study comes in handy. I guarantee you that Joe is not going to be able to see the 4 move combinational checkmate attack coming his way if you make the threat. You also need to be looking out for any possible tactics you can exploit during the game.

lol just lol