After analyzing the board, we see no immediate win available, but we need to be proactive in our move while considering defensive needs. Our opponent’s pieces are scattered, so our primary aim is to build our own threat. Since we already have three consecutive O pieces in row 4 (columns 2, 3, and 4), setting up future opportunities on adjacent columns is key. Dropping a piece in column 1 will begin a buildup on that side and can eventually help form a winning connection. Therefore, I choose column 1.