I analyzed the board and noticed that leaving column 2 untouched could allow X to build a vertical threat (with X already in row5 and row4). Dropping in column 2 not only blocks that potential vertical build-up for X but also places my piece at row3, forming a promising diagonal with my pieces at (4,3) and (5,4) that could lead to a winning opportunity later on. This move both defends and sets up future threats, so I choose column 2.