I'm choosing column 2 (directly left of the center column) because:
1. It's adjacent to my existing piece in column 3, which could start building a horizontal threat
2. It maintains control of the central area of the board, which typically offers more winning paths
3. It doesn't give my opponent any immediate advantageous responses
4. If my opponent plays above their piece in column 3, I can counter with column 4 to maintain balance
5. This play keeps my options open for multiple winning patterns (horizontal, diagonal) as the game progresses