Am I cheating? (sandbagging)

It's been nearly 2 years since I've stopped playing chess and have since been back to chess.com when I found the app for smartphones.

When I started in chess.com in 2008 I was playing in the 1500-1600 range and also (real life) local tourneys. My play deteriorated when I changed the way I play (3-5 min games) to rush a game without thinking and sunk all the way to 1400~ Now, two years removed from any chess I am playing 5 min games on a laptop without a mouse at work (I don't know how I managed without a mouse) and also a smartphone with a small screen. I'm losing games a lot as I'm still trying to find my way back.

I just want to ask if I am violating any rules/cheating if I keep losing games? Just asking as someone just spammed my wall with obsceneties and calling me a cheat. If this upsets people and make them keep posting uncivilized words on my wall, I am inclined to stop playing altogether.

Thanks.

No matter how you play... or even if you don't play... you can expect to be spammed with obscenities on this site.

Only three things are certain in life: death, taxes and trolls.

nothing wrong with circumstance. I use a smartphone. In fact this month my smartphone service ends and I can't pay it. I will be back though; a little sharper and a little smarter, that is after I drop about 100 points. I can only play family's with my data plan. I don't care because I know I'm a strong player and this is just an unfortunate bump in the road. :)

families= dailys* damn autocorrect! :)

Win, lose, or draw, someone will always accuse you of cheating/sand bagging.

If you are not purposely losing games to lower your rating, then you are not cheating.

I agree with you that fast games are not conducive to good chess.

there will always be a hater out there

+1

I somehow do things I would have never done in my teens. When I was younger I would always be hard on myself and always play like I want to murder the guy on the other side. Now being a relaxed person and being told by the doctor to not to stress myself over anything, I'm losing things all over the board! 

Different people have different reasons to play chess.  For some, it keeps their mind sharp.  For others it is about the competiton.  For others still, it is just an enjoyable pastime.

If you are enjoying yourself, then more power to you!!

You need baba to do a magic spell for you. He advertises here every day. Baba Stress Relief Spell Improve Your Chess 100%

I have not,as yet, ever been accused of cheating on this site. However I did congratulate a victorious opponent on his computor-like precision once. His response suggested that he thought I was accusing him of cheating. Of course this was never my intention.

Posting on someone's wall is quite common here. I got a lot too. The thing is not to take it too personally since they are people asking for attention. Regarding losing, it's not cheating obviously. It's unethical when you lose on purpose and chess.dot might send a message if you do often.