I need to block my opponent's immediate winning threat. They currently have Os at (0,0) and (2,0), forming a vertical line in the leftmost column with only the middle position empty. If I don't place my X at (1,0), my opponent would win on their next move by completing that vertical line.

Additionally, placing my X at (1,0) contributes to my own potential winning strategy by starting to form a horizontal line in the middle row, where I already have an X at (1,1). This gives me more options for my future moves while preventing my opponent's immediate win.