I analyzed the board and noticed a strong diagonal opportunity. Currently, I already have O’s at (4,2) and (3,3). By playing in column 1, my piece will land at (5,1), forming three in a row diagonally with (5,1), (4,2), and (3,3). This sets up an immediate threat: I can win on my next turn by playing in column 4 (which would drop an O into row 2, completing the diagonal (5,1), (4,2), (3,3), (2,4)). The opponent would be forced to block column 4, giving me an advantage. Therefore, I choose column 1.