diff --git a/doc/fixes35.0 b/doc/fixes35.0
index 171122087..d1096d98f 100644
--- a/doc/fixes35.0
+++ b/doc/fixes35.0
@@ -219,6 +219,7 @@ when doppelgangers taking on new shape don't specifically pick nasty monster
 	or role monster, bias the random form towards humanoid
 salamanders can use green slime corpses to cure themselves of petrification
 feedback about summoned monsters may use singular when it should use plural
+rogue's backstab bonus doesn't apply for throwing attacks
 
 
 Platform- and/or Interface-Specific Fixes
diff --git a/src/uhitm.c b/src/uhitm.c
index 76f5496a2..52278d65f 100644
--- a/src/uhitm.c
+++ b/src/uhitm.c
@@ -550,6 +550,9 @@ int thrown;		/* HMON_xxx (0 => hand-to-hand, other => ranged) */
 	boolean silvermsg = FALSE, silverobj = FALSE;
 	boolean valid_weapon_attack = FALSE;
 	boolean unarmed = !uwep && !uarm && !uarms;
+	boolean hand_to_hand = (thrown == HMON_MELEE ||
+				/* not grapnels; applied implies uwep */
+				(thrown == HMON_APPLIED && is_pole(uwep)));
 #ifdef STEED
 	int jousting = 0;
 #endif
@@ -638,7 +641,9 @@ int thrown;		/* HMON_xxx (0 => hand-to-hand, other => ranged) */
 		    valid_weapon_attack = (tmp > 1);
 		    if (!valid_weapon_attack || mon == u.ustuck || u.twoweap) {
 			;	/* no special bonuses */
-		    } else if (mon->mflee && Role_if(PM_ROGUE) && !Upolyd) {
+		    } else if (mon->mflee && Role_if(PM_ROGUE) && !Upolyd &&
+			    /* multi-shot throwing is too powerful here */
+			    hand_to_hand) {
 			You("strike %s from behind!", mon_nam(mon));
 			tmp += rnd(u.ulevel);
 			hittxt = TRUE;
@@ -1037,8 +1042,7 @@ int thrown;		/* HMON_xxx (0 => hand-to-hand, other => ranged) */
 		    /* iron weapon using melee or polearm hit */
 		    obj && obj == uwep &&
 		    objects[obj->otyp].oc_material == IRON &&
-		    (thrown == HMON_MELEE ||
-			(thrown == HMON_APPLIED && is_pole(obj)))) {
+		    hand_to_hand) {
 		if (clone_mon(mon, 0, 0)) {
 			pline("%s divides as you hit it!", Monnam(mon));
 			hittxt = TRUE;
@@ -1092,8 +1096,7 @@ int thrown;		/* HMON_xxx (0 => hand-to-hand, other => ranged) */
 	} else if (destroyed) {
 		if (!already_killed)
 		    killed(mon);	/* takes care of most messages */
-	} else if (u.umconf &&
-		    (thrown == HMON_MELEE || thrown == HMON_APPLIED)) {
+	} else if (u.umconf && hand_to_hand) {
 		nohandglow(mon);
 		if (!mon->mconf && !resist(mon, SPBOOK_CLASS, 0, NOTELL)) {
 			mon->mconf = 1;