I was in a recent game where I thought a player made some interesting choices. So I looked at the replay and this was their hand. They are the first player, and the first turn they opened with the 3rd card from the left, what I call a "simple". If this was my hand I would never consider playing that card, as I see 4 other plays that are far superior. But this is just my opinion, so I am curious what other players think.
I altered the image, changing the second card to make this question more interesting. Which card is your favorite card to play if you are the first player? Don't go by this hand in particular, but if you have 2 or 3 of these cards, which do you generally play first? (list from first to last).
I play differently according to my hand. But generally my list goes...
Card 5 (Dead end) behind the ladder
Card 2 (T) with the opening facing up
Card 6 (cross)
Card 1 (noodle) above the ladder
Card 4 (map) mapping top
Card 3 (simple)
I think most players will map early. I know a lot experts will choose card 6 first, and it's a strong argument. If I have several straights I won't waste time behind the ladder.