Lots of blanks will seem to have two spots where they 'kick' Try to find the stronger one.

You can put your guides on either side of the kick. Lots of words have been written about which side to use and why. I don't think it makes too much difference. I've used both, and haven't noticed any effect at all.

Some major rod manufacturers, including Sage, don't even spine their. They look for the cosmetic curve to the blank, and put the guides along the curve. This may or may not be the same as the spine of the rod. Try going to a rod store and spining the tips of various rods. It's pretty amusing.