I need to block my opponent's immediate winning threat in the middle row. They currently have X's at positions (1,0) and (1,1), and if they place at (1,2), they would win with a horizontal line. By placing my O at (1,2), I prevent this win. This is the most urgent move on the board. While I could attempt to create a winning opportunity in the top row by playing at (0,1) or (0,2), blocking the immediate threat takes priority. After this move, I can continue working toward either forcing a draw or creating my own winning opportunities.