Autohotkey script - hotstring prevents if statement from working

:*:pl::pleaseHelpMe     ; hotstring

:*:rf::reallyConfused   ; hotstring

toggle := 0
\::
if (toggle = 0)
{
Run "http://ift.tt/LXtEj4"
}
return

The code above does not work for the keystroke '\'

However, the code below works without the hotstrings

toggle := 0
\::
if (toggle = 0)
{
Run "http://ift.tt/LXtEj4"
}
return

Why is that so? And how do I circumvent it and have the use of my hotstrings and the keystroke '\' to open google. Thanks a billion!!