I'm choosing column 3 for strategic positioning. This creates two benefits: first, it blocks any vertical winning opportunity for my opponent who already has a piece in column 3. Second, it establishes the beginning of a potential diagonal connection with my existing piece at (2,5). By playing in the center area of the board, I maintain flexibility for future moves while preventing my opponent from building momentum in the middle columns, which typically offer more winning paths. This move doesn't create any immediate winning opportunities for my opponent on the next turn.