short game

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

short′ game′, 

1. Sport the aspect of golf considered in relation to the ability of a player to hit medium or short shots, as chip shots, pitch shots, and putts, with accuracy. Cf. long game (def. 1).
2. Games a card game in which not all cards in the pack are dealt before play. Cf. long game (def. 2).
• 1850–55, American.