Sandbagging

Crispy Fish

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Talking about APA 8-ball here, but I suppose my thoughts apply to any rated league. It seems to me the term "sandbagging" is thrown around a bit too liberally. Anybody who is percieved to play higher than their rating is accused of sandbagging. A couple thoughts:

1) A player's rating reflects their *average* play. On some days I play like a 7, on others I play like a 5. So my rightful rating should be a 6. Being able to play like a 7 at my *best* doesn't mean that I should have a 7 rating all the time.

2) A player who takes the game seriously should be improving constantly. Therefore they will always be playing slightly above their rating. Over time their rating will increase to reflect the improvement... until they reach a 7 that is. 7s are the only players immune from being accused of sandbagging, only because their rating can't go any higher!

I think a lot of people will accuse you of sandbagging because they need an excuse for losing. I know sandbagging does happen, but people are too quick to suspect it, IMO.

~steps down from soapbox~ :p
 
Well my golden deep fried friend, I have to agree with your thoughts on this subject. Sandbagging is something that unfortunately has been the scapegoat for the losses of many players. While you and I both know that when you are involved in league play and because of the 23 total handicap rule, you do occasionally stumble upon your true sandbaggers. These players are the 5s that show up like Archer suddenly when Vegas Cup playoffs role around. In general I dont believe sandbagging to be a "serious" problem and when you know of a player that is a bagger usually the local handicap committee is aware of these offenders, and deals with them accordingly.
 
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