形勢

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 形勢, read けいせい, means the state of a contest or confrontation, including which side has the advantage.
• Basic usage: It is used when the advantage shifts during a match or players persist despite being at a disadvantage.
  • 後半に入って試合の形勢が逆転した。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The balance of play and the final result
  • 形勢が逆転した means that the advantage switched sides; it does not by itself establish the match's final winner.