The term “game in hand” is commonly used in sports, particularly in leagues and tournaments, to refer to a situation where a team has played fewer games than its competitors. This means that the team has the opportunity to gain points or improve its standings by winning the additional game(s) it has yet to play.
For example, if Team A has played 30 games in a season and has 60 points, while Team B has played 28 games and has 54 points, Team B is said to have “two games in hand.” This gives Team B the potential to earn more points than Team A if they win those games.
The concept is important for assessing a team’s chances in a league, as having games in hand can provide a strategic advantage. It often leads to discussions about the potential implications for standings and playoff qualifications, as teams with games in hand can sometimes rise significantly in the rankings if they perform well in those matches.