losing game

(n) : A long-term strategy or endeavor.

(n) : (American football) The aspect of the game in which the strategy is to advance downfield by throwing the ball to a receiving player; the passing game.

(n) : (golf) The portion of the game, played with driver clubs, in which the ball is advanced down the fairway to the putting green.

(n) : (whist) The version of the game played until one team makes ten points, as opposed to the short game, which is played to five points.