Hit that Blot!
It is not unusual to have blots in backgammon. You may not like them when they are your checkers but they are attractive targets when they are your opponent's. Here's how you can use the blot to your advantage - whether it's yours or your competitor's!
You can maximize your game time by hitting a blot when you can. But choose the appropriate time to do it. The obvious thing is not make a hit if you have a blot of your own in your inner board or quadrant, a checker seeking revenge will definitely hit you back when given a chance. But when it is early in the game, it's okay.
It's the best time to risk getting hit yourself. The first six points or "pips" from the bar on your opponent's side are mostly free at this time, so you can re-enter quickly. Use the time to strategically maneuver your own checkers to your side of the board, and anchoring them to be safe.
If you still have an anchor (two or more checkers on a pip) on your opponent's inner board, don't be in a rush to get out of it. Having a safety pip is better than getting stuck on the bar. It also presents itself as security that there's a pip available for you to come back. Chances are your opponent will be so wrapped up in getting you out of the way rather than looking at your side of the board and delaying you.
Don't rush and run to get your checkers on your inner board too, you will be setting up a meet and greet with your competitor rather than setting up strategic anchors and points. You'll be opening up that space on your opponent's inner board and leaving blots all over the place. And when you have blots all over the place, you'll be finding yourself on the bar and watching your competitor move in more often than you want to. And that's just sad.
Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of hitting a blot and taking a hit in backgammon. Make use of opportune moments to set up anchors and points to your advantage. Hit a blot when you get the chance, but keep the chances of getting hit back to a minimum. The early stages of the game are the safe times to take a hit. It is okay to risk a hit later on in the game if you feel it'll be quick to re-enter. The idea is to keep your opponent going back to the bar while you set up to bear off.