Belaying the second from the anchor

Most climbers start out learning to belay off of their harness.  For most snow climbs and all instances of belaying a leader, this is still the best method.  But for belaying a second when rock climbing, belaying directly from the anchor with either a Munter hitch or some version of an autolocking belay device has a host of advantages.  Here are a few of them.

Advantages . . .

• better on difficult pitches (where fall is likely for the second), as it’s usually easier to catch and hold a fall
• better for easy terrain (where second is moving fast and will likely not fall) as you can take in rope faster
• puts less force on the anchor (only the weight of the second)
• autolocks with Reverso or ATC Guide
• belayer is free to move around more
• easier to escape the belay and initiate a rescue
• easy to rig 3:1 haul to haul up second if needed
• easier to properly equalize the anchor toward the direction of load

Disadvantages . . .

• fall directly impacts anchor (rarely a problem on rock if the anchor is stout.)