After evaluating the board, I noted that center control is crucial in Connect Four, as it offers the best opportunities to create winning patterns in multiple directions. Even though column 3 has pieces from both players (with one O at the bottom and one X just above), dropping another piece in column 3 helps build potential vertical connections and can contribute to diagonal opportunities while still maintaining central control. There are no immediate threats needing a block, so I prioritize building my structure in the center.