Why do some people "play down "to their opponent?

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fryedk

There's a guy in my club whose results are bizzarly unpredictable. 2 weeks ago, he beats 3 1800s. Then last week, he loses to 2 1500s and a 1300!

From uscf stats, over the last year he's gone 5-13 againts 1900 players, 16-30 against 1800 players, 20-24 against 1700 players, 8-11 against 1600 players, 4-8 against 1500 players, and 5-3 against 1400 players!  (im not counting draws) All while having a rating that fluctuated between 1700 and 1900.  What could be the reason for this?  Do you expereince this "playing down" effect yourself?

Quiksilverau

I do this OTB at the moment.

Currently only one person I can play with who is around my level.

I am slightly better, so sometimes I 'miss' killing tactics to keep the game interesting.

If I win every game, then we both lose an opponent, and there is plenty of other value to be gained from OTB games.