![\"Underdog\"](\"http:\/\/www.tabletennisdb.com\/assets\/blog\/underdog.jpg\")
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Throughout the last fifteen years of tournament participation, I have noticed that handicap events have been some of the most exciting for all participants. So what is a handicap event?<\/p>\n
This event is open to all participants. This is not an event for disabled people nor does it count towards your national rating. This is the only event in a tournament where all participants have an equal opportunity to win despite a large difference in skill. In this event, the higher rated player is \u201chandicapped\u201d because the lesser opponent begins with a head start in points. The match is a single game played to 31 points. The amount of handicap points given will depend on the difference in the players’ ratings.<\/p>\n
For example,\u00a0Bob is rated at 900 and Sue is rated at 1100. Because Bob (the underdog) is 200 points lower, he will start the game with an 8-point lead to give him a chance to win.<\/p>\n
Wang is rated at 1500 and Steven is rated at 2500. Because Wang is 1000 points lower, he will start the game with a 25-point lead. There’s a proper formula to determine the handicap amount.<\/p>\n
This event is fun yet very competitive because the underdog actually has a good chance to beat his more highly-skilled opponent. If you are entering a tournament to win money in the main events, it is a great consolation event if you don\u2019t walk home with your desired result. If you are playing in the recreational events, it is a great opportunity to beat one of the \u201ctop guys.\u201d So give it a try; you won\u2019t regret it.<\/p>\n