This is the best move for several reasons:

1. Defense: My opponent has pieces at (0,0) and (2,0), creating a potential vertical winning threat in the left column. By playing at (1,0), I block this immediate threat.

2. Setting up a fork: After playing at (1,0), I create two potential winning paths for my next move:
   - A horizontal win across the middle row (1,0)-(1,1)-(1,2)
   - A diagonal win from bottom-left to top-right if I can later play at (0,2)

This creates a "fork" situation where my opponent can only block one threat at a time. If they block the horizontal threat by playing at (1,2), I can win diagonally by playing at (0,2). This gives me a strong winning position.

Playing at any other position would either allow my opponent to create a winning line in the left column or fail to set up a winning fork for myself.