Playing at position (2,1) is the optimal move because it creates a fork (two potential winning paths), which forces my opponent to defend in the next turn. After placing my X at (2,1), I'll have two ways to win:
1. Completing the bottom row with positions (2,0), (2,1), and (2,2)
2. Completing the middle column with positions (0,1), (1,1), and (2,1)

This strategic fork means my opponent can only block one of these threats on their next move, allowing me to win on my following turn. Additionally, this move doesn't allow my opponent to create any immediate winning threats.