I analyzed the board and noticed that while no immediate wins or blocks are needed, I can begin building a future threat. My pieces at (row4, col3) and (row5, col4) form part of a diagonal pattern. By playing in column 2 (which is near the center), my piece will land at (row5, col2) and create the start of a diagonal line with my existing piece at (4,3). This sets up potential to form a four‐in‐a‐row along the diagonal (for example, by later placing an O in column 4 to reach (row3, col4) and then (row2, col5)) while not giving my opponent any immediate advantage. Therefore, I choose column 2.