Page "Base on balls" Paragraph 5

A subset of the base on balls, an intentional base on balls ( IBB ) or intentional walk is when the pitcher deliberately pitches the ball away from the batter in order to issue a base on balls.

As with any other walk, an intentional walk entitles the batter to first base without liability to be put out, and entitles any runners to advance if forced.

Intentional walks are a strategic defensive maneuver, usually done to bypass one hitter for one the defensive team believes is less likely to initiate a run-scoring play ( e. g., a home run, sacrifice fly, or RBI base hit ), or to set up a double play or force out situation for the next batter.

They do carry an inherent risk, however, as they give the offensive team another runner on base, without any effort on their part, who could potentially score a run.