What effect does a sandbagging strategy have on opponents?

A sandbagging strategy involves a player downplaying their skills or performance to mislead opponents into assessing them as weaker than they actually are. By doing this, a sandbagger can create a false sense of security among opponents, leading them to underestimate the challenge they face. When opponents believe they are in a more advantageous position than they actually are, they may become complacent, making them more vulnerable when the sandbagger reveals their true capabilities. This tactic can be particularly effective in competitive scenarios where perceptions of a player's skill can influence the dynamics of the game or competition.

The other options do not accurately reflect the strategic intent and effect of sandbagging. Although it may ultimately lead to greater effort or alertness from opponents once they realize the deception, the immediate and most direct consequence of a successful sandbagging strategy is that it establishes a false sense of security, allowing the sandbagger to capitalize on their opponents’ misconceptions.