Sandbagging
The term sandbagging originally was used in poker where one deceived one or more opponents into remaining in the pot by refraining from betting on a strong hand, then raising the bet in a later round.
The term has evolved to be used in sports where one might play at a lower level on purpose in the hopes of winning.
I was in a tennis tournament. As I was going to play my singles match, someone else said to my opponent good luck playing in the D division so sarcastically I thought to myself uh-oh. I immediately asked my opponent why this was said and was he playing at a lower level? (While my directness has diminished through the years, it will show up full force when needed!)
He assured me it wasn’t true.
I found this not to be the case when we started playing. He had a back hand shot far superior to anyone I have played at this level.
I lost the first set 6-1.
I got extremely angry. I didn’t understand why anyone would sandbag.
I lost the second set 7-5. I thought it was my anger which got me to almost win this 2nd set against this sandbagger; at the time I didn’t see it another way.
I was gracious and congratulated him at the end. I didn’t confront him.
However, I talked about him behind his back to a few others.
The next day it occurred to me: how could I almost win a set if he was sandbagging? Besides this one good shot, what else did he have?
The truth was that I took what someone said and made a story up.
Besides the tennis there was a talent competition happening during the weekend. I entered and decided to sing a medley I have done several times before. I do it well and it’s a crowd pleaser.
I came in first place.
Uh oh – was I sandbagging?
The truth is I wasn’t. I didn’t know who else would enter the competition and what their level and experience of performing was.
When it came time to the competition (I was, coincidentally, the last to perform, there were 6 contestants) it was apparent (to me) I had more experience.
Was it fair I was competing in the same category?
Well yes, there were no stipulations in the guidelines.
But I could see where others might think it not fair.
All of a sudden the concept of sandbagging took on a different meaning for me, since I now saw how I could be perceived as the sandbagger, not the victim.
Since I now experienced both sides of this controversial subject:
• I will hopefully remember there can be more to what is going on then what I perceive
• I can appreciate what I make up in my mind can seriously alter my outcomes
• Judging others takes away from what I’m doing in the moment
The opportunity to do two things I love in one weekend – tennis and performing – is something for which I’m extremely grateful.
To learn something as well is fantastic.