9 was the option I introduced, and here's why:
1)Central America- Obvious, it allows a possible first turn capture, quick enough to most likely repel any second-turn counter if successful, and if not there are other options.
2)India- Very important in this game. The two counters for this region are unlikely to be occupied if he loses India.
3)West Russia- Available to counter Scandinavia if needed, and if not it can provide a good, somewhat isolated bonus, and an access point to India if it is not given.
4)South America- Provides a counter to CA if it is not given to us, and if both are given it's a fairly solid expansion point or recon to Africa and Antarctica.
5)Antarctica- It's a good access point to Africa and the areas north of it, and is only accessible via choke-points.
6)West Africa- Unlikely we'll get this, but if we do we know exactly where he is, and we can likely launch from here to counter him in CA and possibly South America.