Bisque is a historical tennis handicapping term that allowed players of different skill levels to compete more evenly. This scoring system permitted the weaker player to claim points at any stage during a match without warning, creating a more balanced competition.
Historical Context
The bisque system emerged in the 19th century alongside the invention of the cylinder lawn mower, which enabled consistent play on grass courts. Initially used in tennis, golf, and croquet, it was designed to level the playing field between players of different abilities.Though the original system was discontinued in the 1890s due to scoring complications, its concept was later revived as part of the International Tennis Number (ITN) system.
Modern Implementation
In contemporary handicapping using the ITN system:- Weaker players receive advantages of 0.1 to 0.3 in a 4-game system.
- Advantages of 0.1 to 0.5 are awarded in a 6-game system.
Limitations
The bisque system had specific restrictions:- No handicap advantages applied during deuce situations.
- The stronger player (Plus player) needed to win matches before reaching deuce.
- Special rules governed matches between players of similar handicap levels, using a different system called "boiling".
The complexity of these rules, particularly in doubles and mixed doubles matches, contributed to the system's eventual replacement with modern handicapping methods.