I need to place my X at the middle-left position (1,0) for two key reasons. First, this is a defensive necessity - my opponent has two Os in the left column (0,0 and 2,0), and placing my X here blocks their potential vertical win. Second, this move is strategically offensive as it creates two possible winning paths for me: I now have two Xs in the middle row (1,0 and 1,1), setting up a potential horizontal win if I can later play at (1,2). By blocking my opponent's immediate win while simultaneously creating my own winning opportunity, this is clearly the optimal move.