The board is in an early stage. My token (O) is already in column 3 (the center column) at the bottom row, which is the most potent column for developing winning threats in Connect Four due to its many connection possibilities. By dropping another O in column 3, I build a vertical pair on top of my existing piece while maintaining central control. This move gives me flexibility to form horizontal, vertical, or diagonal connections in future turns, and it doesn’t concede any immediate threats to my opponent. Thus, my best move is to drop an O in column 3.