Sandbagging

[pancake]

Sandbagging might actually be a good way to get back in shape, or learn some new things.
As a matter of fact, the owner of a Baduk school I frequent told me to play at 5 stones below my level and work my way back up to get back in shape. I did not ask for details, and was kind of confused at first. As for me, it worked for two reasons:
1. You become more aware of your opponent's, but also your own mistakes. Thus it helped me to play more solid, for even weaker players can punish if you play loosely.
2. It helped me focus on only the game, instead of my opponent. The thought 'I have to beat this guy/girl because they're weaker then me.' can easily cost you a game. Rather, focus on what's going on on the board. Your opponent is invisible and rankless, only their moves exist at the moment of the game.

[Shoreline]

Sandbagging might actually be a good way to get back in shape, or learn some new things.
As a matter of fact, the owner of a Baduk school I frequent told me to play at 5 stones below my level and work my way back up to get back in shape. I did not ask for details, and was kind of confused at first. As for me, it worked for two reasons:
1. You become more aware of your opponent's, but also your own mistakes. Thus it helped me to play more solid, for even weaker players can punish if you play loosely.
2. It helped me focus on only the game, instead of my opponent. The thought 'I have to beat this guy/girl because they're weaker then me.' can easily cost you a game. Rather, focus on what's going on on the board. Your opponent is invisible and rankless, only their moves exist at the moment of the game.

Not sure what sandbagging can help any play strength. There is handicap stones available if stronger player want to play weaker plays.

[BlindGroup]

Sandbagging might actually be a good way to get back in shape, or learn some new things.
As a matter of fact, the owner of a Baduk school I frequent told me to play at 5 stones below my level and work my way back up to get back in shape. I did not ask for details, and was kind of confused at first. As for me, it worked for two reasons:
1. You become more aware of your opponent's, but also your own mistakes. Thus it helped me to play more solid, for even weaker players can punish if you play loosely.
2. It helped me focus on only the game, instead of my opponent. The thought 'I have to beat this guy/girl because they're weaker then me.' can easily cost you a game. Rather, focus on what's going on on the board. Your opponent is invisible and rankless, only their moves exist at the moment of the game.

If by "back in shape" you are implying that you are not playing at the level at which you are current ranked, this just seems like accepting that your current play is below your official rank. It does not seem like you are sandbagging, but rather just acknowledging that your "true" rank is lower than your actual one. Similarly, if you are trying new strategies, you also wouldn't be playing at your normal full strength.

In the example I posted, I have a hard time believing that someone who can play as high as 1k would need or want to play at the 13 or 14k level to experiment with new ideas.