After considering the board, I noticed that my three O's on the bottom row (columns 1,2,3) cannot be extended horizontally because the edges are blocked by X‐pieces. Meanwhile, the opponent’s piece at row5,col0 combined with the open slot at row4,col1 could allow them to begin a dangerous upward-right diagonal. By playing in column 1, I drop my O into row4,col1, blocking that potential diagonal (and future threat) and also setting up my own vertical build in that column. This move is both defensive and positions me better for future opportunities.