Sandbagging is used in competitive sports, professions, and even social situations. It is a form of manipulation used to gain the upper hand, and is subtly deceptive.

I became familiar with the sandbag a few years ago. This type of manipulation is unlike any other tactic used by narcissists and toxic individuals.

In fact, this act of domination is seen among people of good repute, much like what you might call a “low life.” It is used as a normal way to take control of any given situation.

The sandbag is a distinctive feature of the High and Low Machiavellians (Machiavellians). Niccolò Machiavelli, author of The Prince, in 1513 brought to light the act of sandbagging.

In his book, he promotes the idea of a rise in the expeditionary force, of eliminating those considered to be stronger, and thus, of gaining power among the weak, using all possible means.

At least, that’s the gist of the story. This is the basis of the terms High and Low Machs, which stand for those who use any means necessary to remain in power, even through the use of manipulation, hence the connection between the term, Mach and sandbagging.

The difference between high and low Machiavellian mentality.
While low machs dive deeper into all sorts of manipulative efforts, they generally use a much more sandbag angle than high machs. High Machs try to keep top reputation cheating the opponent (this will be when it comes to competitive sports).

In order to maintain the upper hand, instilling fear is mostly used by the high mach, while undermining, or sandbaging, is the favorite “game” of the low mach, to gain the upper hand by surprise.

For example, when playing poker, a high mach may make their opponent think the hand they are holding is unbeatable, thus causing a bluff that may frighten their opponent.

On the flip side of juggling, a low mach may indicate that they have a terrible hand, causing opponents to take their guards down, because they don’t feel anxious about the game.

These tactics show up in all kinds of competitive projects, including situations at work and at home as well. Although the high mach bluff may sound intimidating, it is in fact the sandbag, which the low machs ultimately use to cause the most damage or loss.

Fun, isn’t it?

Sandbag: When a player chooses not to perform at their best

Sandbags: A barrier consisting of sandbags

Well, why are there two different definitions of sandbag? Well, maybe because one definition is derived from the other. In the races, sandbags were used as barriers at the edges of the tracks.

During warm-ups, those who chose to rig the race would hit the barrier and make the car slow down, logging it in at low pre-race speeds. Since they were seen as slower cars, they would receive a position closer to the starting line. genius!

Because of this manipulation, the term sandbags was coined for a rather old trick. Machiavellianism has acquired a more modern appellation, you see.

Sandbagging as seen in social situations

Now, while sporting events and professional situations may be what you want to learn about, I also want to expand on this topic and include social issues. Instead, I’d like to discuss the effects of sandblasting on relationships and mental illness, saying that’s my foray into it. This tactic can certainly be used

This tactic can certainly be used to manipulate and control others just as it can find success in the competitive arena. The use of sandbags can seriously damage the confidence and reserve of individuals who already have mental disabilities.

Those who have become familiar with the game of control have the ability to use all kinds of mind tricks. Move over the Jedi, these gimmicks have become complex and advanced. Being able to trick your partner or friend into letting their guard down is outrageous and very effective.

So, I’ll be your guinea pig again, your lab rat, so to speak. You’ve been on both sides of the looking glass before, enduring some of the most egregious mental manipulation you could ever imagine. You’ve given money, time, and emotional energy to those who didn’t really use it. imagine that!

I thought friends were sick or weak or poor only to find out I was told to tear down my wall and let them in.

Their feigned weaknesses caused me to be kind and tender, and later usurped of all my own resources in order to make them stronger. The intent was to gain power over me by feigning weaknesses – they used things like grief to get close enough to steal from me.

And it didn’t end there. The upper hand had to come by gaining my confidence. It was that simple and I fell in love with it so easily. I gave the things I really needed so they could feel good about themselves. But the joke was on me, they were totally fine and then it picked up steam because I was missing out on things I really needed.

And I was a manipulator too. After experiencing emotional abuse, I have learned to lower myself and put on a mask of helplessness. The more I pretend to be dependent, the more I will steal from those who have helped me.

I blatantly touched my pocket book and took out a large amount of cash, no. I cheated my way into the hearts of good people and allowed them to dump money on me. I did. I was guilty, and I stand here to let you know how easy it is to work like a low-speed machine, using sandbags to get anything you want.

Now, do you have an idea what sandbags are?

If you’re still having trouble getting your head around what sandbags are made of, I can give you a few more examples.

Faking an injury right before sporting events causes your opponent to assume you’re not a great competitor. When the event begins, he is already thinking in a slower frame or mind, an easy frame of mind.

Now is your chance. You can enter supercharged mode and blast your opponent away, run faster, play better and make wiser plays. Your opponent will be so shocked that it will take a few minutes to return to a faster and more committed mindset. Right away, you have the advantage.

In a business setting, sandbagging means downplaying your sales skills in order to trick your sales competition into a relaxed state of mind. All the while, you push your skills to the limit and gain a huge advantage, thus winning the sale.

In short, Sandbag pretends to be weak while gaining power
It’s that simple. I hope you have gained a higher level of understanding, especially if you find yourself dealing with manipulation techniques like these.

A sandbag may seem fairly harmless, but it can cause damage in a subtle way. Whether you are the victim or the player, knowing the basic idea of this tactic will improve your life in more ways than one.