I need to play position 1,2 (middle right) to block my opponent from winning. The opponent already has Xs at positions 1,0 and 1,1, forming a potential winning threat in the middle row. If I don't block this with my O at 1,2, they will win on their next move.

After making this defensive move, I'll have options to potentially create my own winning opportunities in future turns. My Os will be positioned at 0,0 (top left), 1,2 (middle right), and 2,0 (bottom left), giving me strategic presence across the board while preventing my opponent's immediate victory.