HANDICAP, a disadvantageous condition imposed upon the superior competitor in sports and games, or an advantage allowed the inferior in order to equalize the chances of both (from the ex pression hand in cap, referring to drawing lots) . The character of the handicap depends upon the nature of the sport. Thus in horse-racing the better horse must carry the heavier weight. In foot races the inferior runners are allowed to start at certain distances in advance of the best (or "scratch") man, according to their previous records. In distance competitions (weights, fly casting, jumping, etc.) the inferior contestants add certain dis tances to their scores. In time contests (yachting, canoe-racing, etc.) the weaker or smaller competitors subtract certain periods of time from that actually made, reckoned by the mile. In stroke contests (e.g., golf) a certain number of strokes are subtracted from or added to the scores, according to the strength of the players. In chess and draughts the stronger competitor may play without one or more pieces. In court games (tennis, lawn-tennis, rackets, etc.) and in billiards, certain points, or percentage of points, sometimes called bisques, are accorded the weaker players.