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Chuck Bower: 23/20, 18/13.
It is commonly believed that the 18-point and 20-point don't go welltogether. About the best that can be said is that you get yourchoice of which one to break. However, the toughest problems are thosewhere the exceptions to the rules take precedence. Is this one ofthose? The alternatives aren't that attractive. I was very temptedto lift both blots with 23/20, 18/13, but points are better thanbuilders. I'll bite. 23/18. 6/3 unstacks the heavy point and leavesfour fewer shots. 13/10 strips the midoint and shows favoritism tothe 18-point. I think it's too early for that. 6/3 is my choice.

Neil Kazaross: 23/20, 18/13.
The simple 23/20, 18/13 seems somewhat better than making the 3 pointand the plays that make two anchors (an often overrated position) leave a direct shot and we don't have the timing to hold both the 20 and 18 points for too long. I'll play 23/20, 18/13, but would consider something more complicated vs a weaker player.

George Klitsas: 23/20, 18/13.
I expect 23/20 18/13 to be the unanimous choice here and I will be much surprised otherwise. Making the 18 point leads only to a cramped position (plus a blot) for Blue with two adjacent points that do not cooperate well.

Snowie: 23/20, 18/13.
This play tidies things up nicely and prepares for the future.My position will be comfortable to play with at least one spare onevery point. I can still win the race, and I can still hit a shotlater on. Other plays risk having something bad happen with no greatupside.

Marty Storer: 23/18, 6/3.
Some consider a high double anchor to be an inefficient use ofcheckers, but it's not bad here. The 18 point is far better thannothing. It restricts White's blocking options and outer-boardmovement, and Blue can break it later if he starts running outof playability. For the 3, I like 6/3 a touch better than 13/10.I think it's better to unstack the 6 point, start building theboard, and leave a spare on the midpoint. 13/10 gives White 16hitting numbers versus 12 after 6/3, with a fair swing on White'sawkward 54. If White misses, he can anchor or run, so 13/10doesn't have a very big upside.

Bob Stringer: 8/3, 6/3.
A mediocre roll. Make the best of it by making a solid asset.

Casper van der Tak: 23/20, 18/13.
Safe, and brings the checkers into play. Making the three-point is the only alternative that I see, but that leaves a bunch of shots, some of which are quite costly, and it also strips the 8. Playing safe seems clear.

Kit Woolsey: 23/20, 18/13.
I wouldn't mind making the anchor on White's bar point, but then what doI do for a three? Making the three point leaves two checkers open tobe attacked. My play solidifies my position and will make my future moveseasier. It looks like a racing play and I am behind in the race, but thereis plenty of contact to come and I will have time to build up my board.

Chris Yep: 8/3, 6/3.
I don't believe it's worth stripping the midpoint to play 23/18 13/10. Though the second anchor is nice, Blue already has an advanced anchor. Since White only has a 2-point board, it's not worth leaving a direct shot in the outfield to make a second advanced anchor. Similarly I don't like 23/18 6/3 and 23/20 13/8. That leaves 23/20 18/13 and 8/3 6/3 as the main candidates in my mind. It's a close call: 23/20 18/13 cleans up Blue's position (he is currently outboarded), while 8/3 6/3 unstacks the 6 point (though it strips the 8 point) and makes a decent inner board point. Overall I have a slight preference for 8/3 6/3.

Summary: Our panel has learned the importance of safety and flexibility. The winningplay works on both of these themes.