It is often suggested as worthwhile to make a point of trying to control the central area of the chessboard in the beginning of a game with one's pawns,bishops or knights ,and all this having an eye as well on opening as many routes\paths  as possible( no matter that usually it's just one which pays dividends)to your opponent's most valuable pieces.Whatsmore,one shouldn't start attacking if they don't have at least two(ideally 3) strong pieces as pillars(or leaders) of their effort.Thank u.Enjoy...