A sandbagger is a person who deliberately underperforms or misleads others about their abilities or potential, often in games, sports, or competitions, to gain an advantage or deceive opponents. The term can also refer to someone who is overly cautious or defensive in strategy, masking their true skill level to take others by surprise later on.
Sandbagger meaning with examples
- During the recent poker tournament, Dave played the role of a sandbagger, pretending to have poor hands and losing intentionally at first. This tactic allowed him to lure unsuspecting players into making larger bets, only to turn the tables and win the pot with his hidden talents later in the game.
- At the golf club, Jane was known as a skilled sandbagger. She often claimed to be a novice, consistently shooting high scores during casual rounds. Little did her opponents know, she was an experienced player who could easily win any competition when the stakes were high, much to the dismay of those who underestimated her.
- In the local chess league, Mark had a reputation for being a sandbagger. He would often play at a lower rating than he was capable of, making it seem like he had an easy path to victory. His strategic deception made him a formidable opponent who caught many players off guard during serious matchups.
- Tom was labeled a sandbagger in the world of online gaming. By playing poorly in the initial matches, he misled other players about his skill level. Once he gained their trust, he would unleash his true abilities, leading to unexpected victories and leaving his opponents frustrated by their misjudgment.