While starting in the middle and working your way out from there is a good, general rule of thumb, to me the real emphasis should be on cutting the most delicate areas first. These may or may not be in the middle of the pattern. The whole concept behind this strategy is to maintain the most supporting wood around the delicate areas, during the cut. This would hold true if that cut was in a corner, as well as if it was in the middle. In other words, study the entire pattern before beginning the cut. Identify these critically, fragile areas. Develop a planned sequence of attack, always with your focus on maintaining as much supporting material throughout the cut, regardless of where the cut is being made.
Bill WIlson's post in How Do You Decide? was marked as the answer