I analyzed the board: the opponent has two Os in column 0 (at 0,0 and 1,0) and can win by playing at position 2,0 on their next move. To prevent this immediate threat, I must block that winning move by placing my X at 2,0. This move also sets me up to create my own threat, especially on the anti-diagonal (0,2)-(1,1)-(2,0), forcing the opponent to respond further.