A handicap is a scoring adjustment that allows players of different skill levels to compete fairly. This system adds extra pins to a lower-skilled player’s score based on their past performance average. It ensures that everyone has a mathematical chance to win a match regardless of their experience. Some people think it is cheating, but it actually encourages competitive play in local leagues. For example, the beginner won the game because her ten-point handicap pushed her total above the professional. A handicap balances the playing field so beginners can enjoy competing against veteran bowlers.