What is a blot in backgammon and how do you hit one?

A blot is a single lone checker on a point, and you hit it by landing one of your own checkers on that same point. When you hit a blot, the enemy checker is removed from the point and placed on the bar in the middle of the board. That opponent must then re-enter it from the bar before making any other move, which can cost several turns and many pips. Hitting is one of the most important tactics in backgammon, but leaving your own blots is risky. Skilled players hit when it gains ground or traps the opponent, while avoiding needless exposure of their own checkers.