I'm choosing column 2 because it's adjacent to my opponent's piece and allows me to establish presence in the central area of the board. This placement prevents my opponent from easily building horizontal sequences from their current position while giving me good options for future moves. Columns 2, 3, and 4 offer the most connection opportunities in Connect Four, so controlling these areas early is strategically valuable. By playing in column 2 rather than directly on top of their piece in column 3, I avoid giving them a chance to build vertical pressure.