Chuck Bower: 13/9, 6/4.
There aren't many builders available so make the most of them.One checker on the 6-point belongs on the 4-point. Between 13/9and 8/4, I prefer the former for two reasons: the 8-point ismost effective now, being 6-away from White's trapped checker,and if White hits a blot, you want it to be as deep on your sideas possible to minimize escape chances and maximize return shots.

George Klitsas: 13/9, 6/4.
Between the two finalists, which, in my opinion, are 13/7 and 13/9 6/4, I much prefer the latter, for two main reasons (the fact that after 13/7, White has slightly more hitting numbers is canceled by the fact that, if missed, Blue can possibly make a strong blockade). First, after 13/7, if White hits, he is a favorite to escape, which is not true after 13/9 6/4 (look also at some awkward hits, like 24 and 25). Second, after the best move, 13/9 6/4, some of White's hitting two's are duplicated in White's home board.

Laila Leonhardt: 13/9, 6/4.
A constructive slot where White can hit with a non escaping number but duplicates the 2-3 and 2-1 White would else be using for the valuable 4 point in the homeboard. The play is putting pressure on White, since Blue when not hit has a strong threat of successfully priming White.

Snowie: 13/9, 6/4.
While it is usually right to make inner board points when trying tocontain a single checker, there are exceptions. This position is one ofthem. Making the four point gives White escaping sixes which hit, andmy follow-through will be awkward. My play distributes my checkers muchbetter, leaves fewer shots, and prevents White from escaping in one roll.

Marty Storer: 13/9, 6/4.
9/5 13/11 leaves fewest shots, but all 6 are good for White,and there are no duplications. It's a frontloading play, breakingthe 9 and stripping the midpoint; frontloading is very often wrong.Blue can hit loose, 6/2* 13/11, but I think a checker on the 2 istoo deep without a bigger board or more builders. I don't like makingthe 4, as that allows simultaneous hit and escape, which is usuallytoo risky. 13/9 6/4 gives White duplication of 23, 21, and 11 to hitand to make the White 4 point, and most of White's hitting numbersdon't bid very strongly to escape. Indeed, both 25 and 24 leave asecond blot exposed to about a direct-shot equivalent. The slot ofthe 4 point is strong for Blue in itself--Blue is a favorite to makethat point if White misses, after which Blue can press the attack."Priming the blot" is also possible, if less likely.

Bob Stringer: 13/9, 6/4.
I don't think that 13/7 can be right. There just isn't enough toback it up. No way I'm playing 8/4, 6/4 -- that breaks the 8 point,which currently is helping to block White's last checker, it givesWhite a direct shot and in general it makes it easier for him toescape. The downside just doesn't make up for making the valuable4 point. There's not a good safe way to play this roll, andslotting the 4 point, which can later be made with a checker fromthe 6 or 9 point, gives me the greatest flexibility.

Casper van der Tak: 13/7.
Blue's advantage is in priming. 13/7 aims to extend the prime in the most direct manner, and some of White hits do not fully escape and leave a lot of returns. So 13/7.

Kit Woolsey: 13/9, 6/4.
I must build, but breaking the eight point to make the four pointis too serious a concession with White's back checker on my two point.My play gives me several numbers which improve next turn, and if Whitehits he still hasn't escaped.

Chris Yep: 13/9, 6/4.
Blue is behind in the race, has more men back, has an equal board, and has an advanced anchor. It's definitely right to play actively on offense. I believe Blue should slot a key point, i.e. 13/7, 13/9 6/4, or 8/4 6/4 (trades the 8 point for the 4 point and slots the 8 point). Among these 3 moves, I believe the key lies on the other side of the board. 5s and 6s are not too useful for White on the other side of the board. On the other hand, 2s are useful for White since he can either bring down a new builder from the midpoint (13/11 adds a builder for the 8, 9, and 10 points) or make the 4 point. Thus, in order to duplicate White's 2s, I like 13/9 6/4. If Blue plays 13/7 or 8/4 6/4, then White's 5s (or 6s) swing from bad rolls to good rolls since they usually escape with tempo (a hit).

Summary: The panel found holding the eight point and slotting the fourpoint to be very clear. This is usually the most effective approachin this sort of position. Don't let that back checker slip away inone roll.

Problem #2   Play          Votes   Score13/9, 6/4          8      10013/7               1       6013/11, 9/5         0       4013/11, 6/2*        0       408/4, 6/4           0       40