Where does the pitcher go after a pickoff?

There are many different ways that a pitcher can pickoff a baserunner. However, regardless of the base or the manner in which a runner is picked off there should be a firm set of rules that a pitcher should live by as to where he should go in the event there is a rundown.

Here is the rule that has very few exceptions. Back up the furthest base in jeopardy but never second base.

In other words, if home is threatened with a runner on 3rd base, the pitcher must be able to back up the catcher regardless if the runner he picked off was at 1st base. A common pickoff could happen in a 1st and 3rd situation where the runner at 1st gets picked off. Quite possibly with a fake to 3rd and back to 1st move. If the runner at 1st is picked off at 1st the pitcher must go 1/2 way between 1st and home and be able to back up either spot. However, if the runner at 3rd breaks and the throw goes home to the catcher, the only true option to back up the catcher is the pitcher.

One exception to the rule that I have found. Let's say you have a pickoff play off of the wheel bunt defense. In this case if you pick the runner off at 2nd base the pitcher should back up 2nd base because the shortstop has already vacated and is standing at 3rd base. It could happen.