I analyzed the board and noticed that column 2 is important. It currently has X pieces in row5 and row4, leaving row3 empty. If I don’t play there, my opponent might build up a vertical threat in column 2. Dropping my piece in column 2 would land in row3, blocking his vertical potential and simultaneously setting up a diagonal threat (from row3, col2, to row4, col3, to row5, col4). This move both defends and provides a future winning opportunity.