By placing my X at position 1,2 (middle-right), I create two potential winning paths:

1. I now have two Xs in the middle row (positions 1,1 and 1,2), so I could win by completing this row in my next move at 1,0.
2. I also create a potential winning path in the right column, where I already have an X at 2,2 and could win by placing at 0,2.

This creates a fork situation where my opponent can only block one of these threats on their next move, giving me a strong advantage. Since my goal is to win as quickly as possible, creating multiple winning paths is the optimal strategy.