outpoints

Outpoints is a term used to describe the act of outscoring an opponent in a contest, typically by accumulating more points on scoring systems or judges’ scorecards. It is primarily used as a verb, as in “to outpoint,” and is most common in judged, point-based sports. The plural form “outpoints” is less frequently used as a noun, but may appear when discussing the number of points or the instances of outscoring in multiple bouts.

In boxing and other combat sports, outpointing an opponent means winning on points rather than by knockout or technical knockout. Most professional bouts use a scoring system in which judges award rounds, usually with a 10-point must system. The fighter who wins more rounds or achieves higher scores across rounds outpoints the other fighter and can win by unanimous, majority, or split decision. A fighter can outpoint an opponent even after a rare knockdown by the opponent, if the judge’s scorecards still favor the outpointing fighter overall.

Outside combat sports, outpointing can refer to any competition where points determine the winner, such as certain scoring-based games or simulations. In everyday usage, the phrase emphasizes strategy, precision, and accumulation of scoring advantages over an opponent.

See also scoring (sports), decision (sports), knockout (sports).