The Role of $M_W$ in Precision Studies of the Standard Model

Recent calculations have significantly decreased the scheme and residual scale dependence of basic radiative corrections of the Standard Electroweak Model. This leads to a theoretically accurate prediction of the W-boson mass M(W), as well as a reduced upper bound for the Higgs boson mass M(H). The implications of a precise M(W) measurement on the M(H) estimate are emphasized