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Encyclopedia Britannica - Main :: GUI-HAN |
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HANDICAP (from the expression hand in cap, referring to drawing lots), a disadvantageous condition imposed upon thesuperior competitor in sports and games, or an advantage allowed the inferior, in order to equalize the chances of both. The character of the handicap depends upon the nature of the sport . Thus in horse-racing the better horse must carry the heavier weight
jumping
court
Handicapping was applied to horse-racing as early as ,68o, though the word was not used in this connexion much before the middle of the 18th century. A " Post and Handy-Cap Match " is described in Pond
Competitions in which handicaps are given are called handicap-events or handicaps. There are many systems which depend upon the whim of the individual competitors. 'Thus a tennis player may offer to play against his inferior with a selzer- bottle
The name " handicap " was taken from an ancient English
sport that I never knew before, which was very good." This game, which became obsolete in the ,9th century, was described as early as the 14th in Piers the Plowman under the name of " New Faire." It was originally played by three persons, one of whom proposed to " challenge," or exchange, some piece of property belonging to another for something of his own. The challenge being accepted an umpire was chosen, and all three put up a sum of money as a forfeit. The two players then placed their right hands in a cap, or in their pockets, in which there was loose money, while the umpire proceeded to describe the two objects of exchange, and to declare what sum of money the owner of the inferior article should pay as a bonus to the other. This declaration was made as rapidly as possible and ended with the invitation, " Draw, gentlemen!" Each player then withdrew and held out his hand, which he opened. If both hands contained money the exchange was effected according to the conditions laid down by the umpire, who then took the forfeit money for himself. If neither hand contained money the exchange was declined and the umpire took the forfeit money. If only one player signified his acceptance of the exchange by holding money in his hand, he was entitled to the forfeit-money, though the exchange was not made.Handicap was also the name of an old game at cards, now obsolete. It resembled the game of Loo, and probably derived its name from the ancient sport described above. End of Article: HANDICAP If you wish, you can link directly to this article.
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