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Chuck Bower: 8/4*, 4/3.
Another mutual holding game? Not quite because only Blue has anadvanced anchor. As with problem 6, I don't think leaving Whitealone is right. Still, I'd like to maintain the nice race lead.8/4*, 4/3 is the only move that allows me to do both.

Neil Kazaross: 8/4*, 4/3.
White's 5 point and our racing lead must be considered and respected.I prefer the wimpy 8/4x/3 here noting that my builder on the 3 point can still be used to attack deeper in my home board. Alternatives which leave direct shots risk a bit too much, IMHO, noting that we are somewhat short of material to attack.

George Klitsas: 8/4*, 4/3.
I am sure that Blue must attack on the 4 point (and NOT on the two, with 9/8 6/2*). Given that, I have a strong preference for lifting the blot. I could be wrong, of course, but the factors that sway me in lifting the blot are Blue's lack of ammunition (White might miss [20 numbers], and still Blue might not cover), Blue's second blot in case of things going badly and the fact that Blue can bring this position home even with the temporary missing of the four point.

Snowie: 8/4*, 4/3.
Hitting is a must, but this is definitely not the time to take anyunnecessary chances. Putting the third checker on the three point maylook ugly, but if that checker winds up on the bar it will be a lotuglier.

Marty Storer: 8/4*, 4/3.
Another weenie capitulation to Magriel's criteria. White hasno anchor yet, so the third checker on the 3 point may not betoo much of a disadvantage; it may serve as an attacker. IfBlue hits loose on the 4 point and White hits back, that'stoo huge a swing for the likes of me.

Bob Stringer: 8/4*, 4/3.
Crummy roll. 13/8 is worth considering since it makes another point,but hitting is more active. I have the racing lead and spreading blotsaround is a good way to let White back into the game. Therefore, hitto keep him off balance, and pick up the blot to keep the solidadvantage.

Casper van der Tak: 8/4*, 4/3.
This puts White on the bar, and leaves the least return shots while ahead in the race. Got to be right. Only alternative that I see is 13/8 which makes a useful point but leaves a bunch of shots.

Kit Woolsey: 8/4*, 4/3.
Hitting on the four point is a must. I can't afford to give White achance to make that point. After hitting, I believe it is correctto lift. I lose so much if I am hit back, and I don't need my fourpoint to win the game. The spare checker on the three point isn'tcompletely out of play -- it can be used to attack.

Chris Yep: 8/4*, 4/3.
8/4*/3 looks clear to me, though a few years ago I would have routinely hit and stayed on the 4 point. 4/3 is the best use of the ace since a spare on the 3 point is still reasonably in play (it still bears on the 1 and 2 points). Since White has made the 5 point, Blue loses a significant amount when he is hit back. Blue can continue to blitz if White rolls poorly next turn, but it's best to be patient with 8/4*/3. For an additional discussion of this type of problem, see problem 7 (page 14) in Norm Wiggins' "Boards, Blots, and Double Shots."

Summary: A unanimous vote for the safe pick and pass play. I thinkthat says it all in this position. Blue loses too much when he is hit back.