In today's ­first round match-up of The Motley Fool Better-Buy Tournament, Core Laboratories squares off against AbbVie in a battle to determine which stock is the better buy now. The 64-company tournament pits two Motley Fool analysts against each as they make the case for their stocks with the winner determined by you, the readers.

Motley Fool energy analyst Taylor Muckerman thinks Core Laboratories (CLB) should move to the next round because of its ties to nearly every company in the business of producing oil and gas. Core Laboratories boasts all of the upside offered by the industry without the operational risk of exploration and production. Its sheer ability to generate free cash flow is an added benefit to its business model. Core Laboratories is a clear choice to advance.

Despite AbbVie (ABBV -1.03%) potentially losing its "golden goose", Humira, when its patent runs out in 2016, according to Motley Fool analyst David Williamson the pharma's goose is not cooked. In fact, AbbVie has never been more exciting. Humira notched $10.7 billion in 2013 sales, and generic competition may have trouble getting approved. Abbvie isn't a 1 trick pony. It has a hepatitis-c regimen in late stage development with a 90% cure rate that should easily hit blockbuster status, along with upcoming phase 3 data in exciting drugs for multiple sclerosis and endometriosis this year. So don't fear the end of Humira, AbbVie is just getting started.

Watch these analysts square off in the video below and then vote for a winner. Then check out the other companies in the Motley Fool Better-Buy Bracket. 

This year's winning stock?

There's a huge difference between a good stock and a stock that can make you rich. The Motley Fool's chief investment officer has selected his No. 1 stock for 2014, and it's one of those stocks that could make you rich. You can find out which stock it is in the special free report "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2014." Just click here to access the report and find out the name of this under-the-radar company.

Cast your vote in the poll below the video!