When a team is forced to play with fewer than five players because one or more have been sent to the penalty box
When a team is forced to play with fewer than six players because one or more have been sent to the penalty box
A shorthanded team is below the numerical strength of its opponents on the ice When a goal is scored against a shorthanded team, the penalty that caused the team scored against to be shorthanded is terminated, and both teams are again at equal strength
When a team has fewer players on the ice than the opponents because of a penalty or penalties being served in the penalty box by one or two of its players
a team with one or more players off the ice in the penalty box when the opponent has its full complement of 6 players; also a power play for the other team
A game is said to be shorthanded when it falls below a certain number of players Most poker tables accommodate nine or ten players Five players is clearly shorthanded, nine players is clearly not Since many people are uncomfortable playing shorthanded, some cardrooms make special provisions for shorthanded tables - reducing the blinds or the rake, or providing shills or props Since the number of players at a table has a significant impact on strategy, learning to play well shorthanded is an important skill This is especially true in tournaments, where shorthanded play is much more common (if you last long enough)