I'm choosing column 3 for several strategic reasons. By placing my piece here, I'll be above an opponent's X piece and next to another X piece, preventing any immediate vertical or horizontal threat they might develop. Column 3 is also in the center region of the board, which typically offers more connection possibilities in multiple directions (horizontal, vertical, and both diagonals). This move doesn't create any immediate winning setup for my opponent on the row above, and it begins to develop my position toward the center of the board where I'll have more flexibility for future moves.