Position 405

 How should White play 42 here:

“if in doubt hit” is a common saying in backgammon, so you consider 8/6 8/4*:

The problem with this play is that you leave 3 blots around the board and invite a blot hitting contest where Black has the stronger board. You will be hit with any 4 as well as 53, 33, 31 and 11. That is 17 rolls or 47% of time.

How about hitting and lifting with 8/4*/2:

Although you are hit with far fewer shots from the bar by Black, the game has a long way to go so you do not want to create a semi dead checker on your 2 point. And you will still have 3 blots around the board.

You are behind in the race, but do you really want to hit? Consider tidying up some blots and minimising shots by playing 17/13 9/7:

You will be behind in the race by 17 pips after the roll, but you leave only one blot. Black has two blots around the board and will need to do something about them, especially the blot on your 4 point. You will have 3 builders aimed at the blot on your 4 point if they do not move it. You will have numbers that either point on it or hit loose next roll, when you have far fewer blots around the board.

It is tempting to make the active play of attacking and putting your opponent on the bar, but here you need to be patient and tidy up the position first.