Here's a tip.
If you are hosting a game, and it freezes when a bot goes first, try this...
As you launch the game from the Flag screen, Alt-Tab out, wait for a minute, then Alt-Tab back in.
This has the effect of pausing the game before the bots go, allowing the humans time to get there.
It's worked every time we've tried it so far.
Downside...as host, you sometimes lose your choice of colour.
Thanks to Georgezzzz who figured this one out.