Re 1, (a) which is the best anchor? (b) which is least likely to be hit? pointed on? (c) most likely to get return hits? (d) most likely to make an advanced anchor after a hit or not? I'd go after the best anchor, and add a builder, with 23/20 13/11. I'd be surprised if this is worse than 23/20 24/22, 24/22 13/10 or 23/18.
Re 2, this is a position for comparison -- 51S 51S 42P 32?
The score (after 0 games) is: White 0, Blue 0
Move number 4: Blue to play 32
| White | 155 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
                         | |||
| Blue | 161 | ||
| Position ID: mOfgASjg8+ABKA Match ID: cIkJAAAAAAAE | |||
White's spare on the 8 and split back checkers makes 23/20 and 13/11 and 13/10 less appealing. Now I'd play 13/8, I think, with my next choice 23/20 24/22.
Re 3, one down (13/11 or 13/10) is an improvement (13/10 being a lot more risky), but I don't care for 13/11 13/10. No more spares on the 13. Seven outfield hits. Lots of duplication of numbers between the outfield and the back quadrant.
Re 4, 13/8 doesn't do anything, but does no harm, either. It keeps the back checkers safer. A do-nothing play of a do-nothing roll, it gives Opponent more of a do-nothing position. Maybe it's not bad. Probably not bad at all, but it's not my play.