tasoitus

Tasoitus is a Finnish term for balancing competition by adjusting conditions to make outcomes more dependent on skill and less on inherent advantage. It refers to methods that give weaker players an advantage or reduce the benefit of stronger players, with the aim of making games fairer and more enjoyable. The concept is widely used in sports and games, including golf, bowling, billiards, darts, and racing, as well as in informal leagues and online platforms.

Common forms of tasoitus are handicap systems and point adjustments. A handicap assigns a numerical value to a player's estimated ability; during a match, that value is used to adjust scores so that players of different skill levels compete on a more level field. In golf, the best-known application is the handicap system, where a player's handicap index determines the number of strokes that will be subtracted from their gross score or added to their opponent's, depending on the competition format. In other sports, tasoitus can take the form of added points, adjusted course or lane difficulty, or preset starting advantages.

Calculation methods vary by sport and governing body; they usually rely on past performance data or standardized ratings. In golf, handicap formulas are maintained by national or international associations and are updated as players' performances change. In casual settings, organizers may adopt simplified or self-declared handicaps.

Tasoitus aims to encourage participation and fair competition, but it also faces criticisms, such as potential for manipulation, discouraging skill development, or confusion among newcomers.