When to play unrated games

What's your theory on when to play rated vs unrated games?  Personally, some days I know my concentration is subpar, so I choose unrated.  Other days, I just feel like playing lots of chess, but I only have a limited number of good games in me, so I switch to unrated.  What about you?

I like to play unrated because it is just for fun - I'll offer to play 5 0 with anybody rated between 1 and 2500.

I play blitz to relax, and when I play rated I tend to have too much anxiety over the rating points.

I have had a very few players insult me and say that my rating is way too high, etc. but who cares.

Help.  I just cannot find the way to play an unrated game.  What am I missing?  Thanks

Unrated games make more sense when you are playing with somebody for instructional purposes where take-backs and helping people find the right move are the norm.

Other reasons could be a wacky (or just new) opening system you are dying to try out but don't want to harm your precious online rating with it.

Or as the OP suggested, he is not ready to give it his best but still wants the entertainment value of playing the game.

Thanks.  I also found out how to actually choose "unrated".  It appeared to be undocumented.  Thanks to the helpful member that pointed it out to me.

Warchessky

warchessky, could you pass on the gen on how to choose "unrated' - I'm still trying to find out!

Thanks, Estragon.  I note your rating - I won't be troubling you for a game, unless you do simultaneous, blindfold exhibitions?

Unrated is just one way to practice and get better without losing points.. I play about 10 unrated 3-0 blitz matches then I play about 2 10-0 rated matches... That's how I go by my business in achieving a higher rating..