It doesn't seem that plausible if you've been around serious game players. The notion of throwing a game would be seen as extremely rude and condescending to one's opponent.
Once you step on to the field, you play your best. It doesn't matter whether the opponent is a master, or a six-year-old.
EDIT> I have a friend who I've never beaten at an RTS or non-random strategy game, even though we've played hundreds of times. If I thought for a moment that he'd let me win, I'd stop playing, and I hate losing.
Once you step on to the field, you play your best. It doesn't matter whether the opponent is a master, or a six-year-old.
EDIT> I have a friend who I've never beaten at an RTS or non-random strategy game, even though we've played hundreds of times. If I thought for a moment that he'd let me win, I'd stop playing, and I hate losing.